Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Department of Surgery values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) among all faculty, staff, and trainees. The Department is committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for all human differences, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, geography, disability, or age.

We believe that individual differences and unique perspectives are critical to delivering high-quality care, engaging in scholarly activity, educating trainees, and supporting the careers of all.  We recognize the extent to which inequity, social injustice, and systemic racism impact the health of the UC Davis community and the communities we serve. Diverse ideas and innovative solutions are required to effectively tackle issues related to inequity, health disparities, systemic racism, and bias in medicine.  Equity and social justice in our communities are essential to the health of our patients and the public at large.  We are working hard, but we know we still have much work ahead of us.

Related Links:

Socially Responsible Surgery (SRS) Program
UC Davis Health Office of Student and Resident Diversity
UC Davis Health Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity in Medicine Visiting Elective Program

• The UC Davis Department of Surgery is strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture that maintains a working and learning environment that is welcoming and supportive of people from all backgrounds. Our mission is to promote an environment that upholds dignity and respect for the many differences that make our department exceptional including race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, and age. We have an unwavering dedication to fostering an environment of equity, inclusion, and diversity for the members of our faculty, our trainees, our team members, and most importantly, our patients.
• We are dedicated to continuing the legacy once established by Dr. Claude H. Organ, former UC Davis East Bay Surgery Department Chair and Dr. Bill Blaisdell, former UC Davis Chair of Surgery. They believed that their greatest professional achievement was being able to pass down knowledge to many younger generations of surgeons. They encouraged diversity and inclusion in the field of surgery and were instrumental in promoting the advancement of women and underrepresented minorities. Decades later, progress has been made but much more needs to be done.
• Sacramento is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse cities within the United States. As a department, we denounce sexism, racism, homophobia and discrimination in any form, and mitigate implicit biases, as these factors propagate health disparities and undermine public health. We will continue to invest in our students, trainees, faculty and staff in a commitment to eliminate inequities and structural racism and sexism in healthcare and academia.