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Why diversity and inclusion matter
A message from Assistant Dean Carol A. Major, MD
I am a poster child for diversity. Everything about me screams diversity, and that is why I am so passionate about the topic.
I have worked at UC Irvine in the field of obstetrics and gynecology for the last 25 years. I personally have witnessed amazing changes in the community that our medical center serves. The people we serve are extremely diverse and that is why the work of the division of Diversity and Inclusion is so critical.
Diversity to me is any dimension that can be used to differentiate people and groups from one another. Appreciating diversity also means having respect for these differences, whether they are of ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, education, socio-economic status or religion.
It is also much more. Diversity is the celebration of our differences and the realization of the power that we possess when we respect and value these differences.
Inclusion is a state of being valued, respected and supported. It’s about focusing on the needs of every individual and ensuring that the right conditions are in place for each person to achieve his or her full potential.
In simple terms, diversity and inclusion involve embracing our differences, then ensuring that even with those differences, we work well together.
As an assistant dean with the division of Diversity and Inclusion at UC Irvine School of Medicine, I am committed to making sure that diversity and inclusion are vital aspects of our medical school curriculum.
Our office is committed to working with the medical center, the undergraduate campus and the community at large to ensure that we have solid educational elements and outreach programs in place to enrich, nurture and inspire the healthcare leaders of the future.