Honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Monday, January 18, 2024

On this national holiday, we honor the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

As healthcare professionals, we are constantly learning and evolving to provide exceptional care to the populations we serve. We pay tribute to Dr. King's relentless pursuit of equality and justice by integrating his compassion and fairness into our operations, where every department member is respected and supported to accomplish their best work.

Reflecting on the fateful summer nearly four years ago on the murder of George Floyd, the call to action to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a department was pledged, and since then, we have taken action in our workplace and communities. 

• Building upon the foundation Dr. David Rothenberger established to foster a culture where every member flourishes, we are pleased to announce Dr. Madhuri Rao as the new Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) within the Department of Surgery (DoS). Dr. Rao, Assistant Professor in the Division of Thoracic & Foregut Surgery, will lead the strategic direction of implementing DEIB initiatives and will serve as an advocate for DEIB as Surgery's representative within the Medical School.
• Two years ago, the Department of Surgery and Tuskegee University partnered to provide an opportunity for Tuskegee University undergraduates interested in a career in medicine for an immersed in an on-campus eight-week experience, focusing on preparing for a successful application to medical school. Through our education, patient care, and research, we will continue to drive toward a world where every person receives equitable medical care free from discrimination and bias.

As always, it is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

Sayeed Ikramuddin, MD, MHA
Chair, Department of Surgery
Jay Phillips Professor