Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our Commitment
The University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery recognizes the significance of a diverse workforce and strives toward healthcare justice for all of our patient populations. We understand that we produce our best research, workplace culture, educational opportunities, and patient outcomes when equity, inclusion, and diversity are at the forefront. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable orthopedic department, respecting and valuing the contributions of diverse faculty, trainees, staff, and patients to achieve excellence in all we do.
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.
DE&I Committee Members
Committee Chairs
- Aaron Corfield, DPM - Committee Chair
- Joy Harken, MHA - Committee Co-Chair
Committee Members
- Joan Bechtold, PhD
- Joel Boyd, MD
- Jonathan Braman, MD
- Angela Bruzina
- Caitlin Chambers, MD
- Jessica Downes, MD
- Mahad Hassan, MD
- Paul Hoogervorst, MD, PhD
- Patrick Horrigan, MD
- Amber Janish, LPN
- Bibi Mohamed
- Patrick Morgan, MD
- Lyndsey Nelson
- Amber Prahl
- Erik Solberg, MA, MEd
- Paul Soriano
- Molly Struder, PA-C
- Marc Tompkins, MD
- Lily Wood, MD
- Monique York
Committee Meetings
Our committee meets monthly. Please contact Joy Harken, MHA or Aaron Corfield, DPM for more information.
Committee Initiatives
Learn more about what the DE&I Committee accomplished in our first year!
Visiting Medical Student Scholarship for Underrepresented Populations in Orthopedics
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 for upcoming 3rd and 4th-year medical students (class of 2024 and 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 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
The application period for the 2023-2024 academic year is now open. Applications will close on Friday, March 3, 2023. If you have any questions regarding this scholarship, please contact Medical Student Coordinator Erin Tuset at (612) 626-3285 or orthoed@umn.edu.
DE&I Grand Rounds
The department incorporates DE&I topics into its weekly Grand Rounds schedule. Previous presentations can be viewed in our Grand Rounds Archives.
DE&I Book Club
The department hosts a DE&I Book Club for faculty, residents, and staff. If you would like information about the department's upcoming discussions, please contact Project Development Manager, Joy Harken, MHA.
Previous Books Read
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- White Fragility: Why It’s so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
- The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
- A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota by Sun Yung Shin
- Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor's Reflections on Race and Medicine by Damon Tweedy, MD
- Golem Girl: A Memoir by Riva Lehrer
Implicit Bias in Search and Selection Process
The University of Minnesota 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 participants to the breadth of implicit bias research and will help them recognize shortcuts resulting from unconscious or unexamined bias. Participants will learn promising practices and resources for addressing implicit bias in the context of search and selection processes.
For more information about this workshop, please contact Stef Jarvi at swilench@umn.edu or 612-624-0594.
Additional Articles & Resources
DEPARTMENT OF ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY ARTICLES
- U of M Orthopedist Works to Attract and Retain Diversity in Orthopedic Surgery and on the Ice
- University of Minnesota Leaders Pave the Path for Women in Orthopedics
- U of M Orthopedic Work Abroad: Making Patients Better One Country at a Time
- Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Women and Minorities in Orthopaedics: AOA Critical Issues Symposium
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.
February 2023: Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time to recognize and honor their central role in U.S. history.
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. Assistant Professor Aaron Corfield, DPM, and Professor 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