Our DE&I Committee

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee was formed as part of our annual strategy to support a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive orthopedic team and improve patient care.

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DE&I Committee Members

Committee Chair

  • Aaron Corfield, DPM - Committee Chair

Committee Members

  • Joan Bechtold, PhD
  • Deb Bohn, MD
  • Joel Boyd, MD
  • Caitlin Chambers, MD
  • Alicia Harrison, MD
  • Mahad Hassan, MD
  • Paul Hoogervorst, MD, PhD
  • Helen Huetteman, MD
  • Anna Landherr
  • Jerome Murray, MD
  • Ali Odenthal, MPH
  • Arthur Only, MD
  • Katelin Shaft
  • Parisun Shoga, MD
  • Erik Solberg, MA, MEd
  • Marc Tompkins, MD
  • Erin Tuset
  • Lily Wood, MD
  • Monique York

Committee Meetings

Our committee meets monthly. Please contact Aaron Corfield, DPM for more information.

Committee Initiatives

Learn more about what the DE&I Committee accomplished in our third year!

Visiting Medical Student Scholarship for Underrepresented Populations in Orthopedics

Scholarship Opportunity

The University of Minnesota is committed to achieving excellence through equity and diversity. We value having diverse views and experiences that enrich our academics and our profession as a whole.  The Department of Orthopedic Surgery, in conjunction with the Medical School, has the goal of creating an atmosphere where differences are valued, leading to a culturally competent healthcare workforce qualified to meet the needs of the varied populations we serve.

Our scholarship provides financial assistance to medical students graduating in 2025 who are planning a career in orthopedic surgery, and want to do a four-week away rotation at our site. Diverse students whose backgrounds and/or identities are underrepresented in orthopedics are encouraged to apply. The chosen applicants will be given a stipend of $1,500 to be used towards their lodging and/or travel expenses. 

Application Requirements

  • Must be an upcoming 3rd or 4th year medical student 
  • Attend a domestic LCME-accredited or COCA-accredited medical school 
  • Provide a current CV 
  • Upload an unofficial transcript 
  • Letter of recommendation from a professional reference who can speak to your goals and academic experience (one letter of recommendation only) 
  • Provide a personal statement addressing how you contribute to diversity in orthopedics
  • Zoom interview; If selected as a top candidate 

Selection will be based on a holistic approach. Students’ academic achievements, shown leadership, academic research, orthopedic interest, and good academic standings will all be considered when selecting candidates.  
 

Deadline

Applications have now closed. If you have any questions regarding this scholarship please contact Medical Student Coordinator Erin Tuset at [email protected].

Addressing Implicit Bias in Search and Selection Processes

Acknowledging Bias

The University is committed to increasing diversity among its staff, faculty, and students in admissions, promotions, scholarship decisions, and other selection processes. The presence of implicit bias in these processes can inhibit this goal. This workshop exposes learners to the breadth of implicit bias research and will help them recognize shortcuts resulting from unconscious or unexamined bias. Learners will be introduced to promising practices and resources for addressing implicit bias in the context of search and selection processes.

Register for Workshop

For more information about this workshop, contact [email protected].

University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Orthopedic Surgery DE&I Podcast

The University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery presents a podcast on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, as it relates to our field, patients, and healthcare overall. Listen to all of our episodes here, or enjoy our latest episode below:

Mindful Moments

Each month, the department focuses on a topic that reinforces an inclusive mindset. Resources such as published articles, short videos, and talking points are provided to all department members in a variety of ways. The intention is to spark a conversation, plant a seed, and weave DE&I topics into our department culture and daily lives. 

September 2024: Barriers to Voting & Civic Participation Among Marginalized Communities

The right to vote is fundamental in a democracy, yet for many marginalized communities in the U.S., exercising that right remains a challenge. Communities of color, individuals with disabilities, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face significant barriers to voting and civic participation. These challenges are rooted in a long history of disenfranchisement and voter suppression.

Read September 2024 Mindful Moment

Medical School Dean's Lecture Series: DE&I in the Departments

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery was honored to participate in the Medical School Dean's Lecture Series: DE&I in the Departments. Aaron Corfield, DPM and Jonathan Braman, MD, MHA, discussed the department's DE&I initiatives and how to advocate and implement real change within the department and the field of orthopedics.

Watch Recording