Our belief at Penn Medicine is that true excellence in healthcare arises only with a strong foundation of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with both our patients and between each other within our own healthcare community.
Our division is committed to fostering an environment that embraces all, and does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, color, and gender identification. It is our mission to make sure our patients feel welcome and heard in all aspects of their care, and that there is space for every member of our EDM community to express their opinions, ideas, and goals.
In 2021, our division created a strategic plan for enhancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, within the six key pillars identified by Penn’s Action for Cultural Transformation (ACT):
Clinical Pillar – Health equity is a division priority, and we are committed to eliminating health disparities. The primary goals of this pillar are to ensure access to services for patients who have limited English proficiency, are deaf or hard of hearing, and have limited income and/or resources. We are especially committed to the West Philadelphia Community in which we practice, and to the quality of care delivered at HUP Cedar.
People Pillar – Our division is committed to fostering an engaged and inclusive culture where every division member can thrive, and experience professional growth. We have enhanced our recruitment process to maximize diversity of life experiences. We are also committed to prioritizing the professional development of all staff through mentorship and professional development.
Community Pillar – Our division is in a unique position to be able to partner with local community members and schools to provide nutritional, diabetes and endocrine related education.
Identify areas for sustainable partnerships with the local community and building healthier communities by addressing root causes of health inequities. (With the primary focus on engaging with West Philadelphia Public School System and increasing nutritional literacy for West Philadelphia Community, and especially for HUP Cedar patient population).
Education Pillar – A fundamental aspect of achieving health equity is ensuring our physician work force is prepared to address health care disparities. We are committed to preparing our fellows to understand inequities in clinical care and research and provide tools to address bias and advance equity in their career.
Research Pillar – We aim to develop a plan to engage community stakeholders in the design, implementation, and participation in clinical research conducted within our division, and improve diversity of clinical trial participants.
Culture Pillar – Our division aims to promote a culture of inclusivity for all. In 2023 we will be holding an all-staff workshop in the care of transgender and gender diverse patients. Our division is committed to an open and collaborative work environment where all community members feel comfortable and empowered to communicate with leadership.
We welcome collaboration with all that are interested and invested in helping to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion not only within our Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, but within the entirety of the UPHS Health System and our greater West Philadelphia Community.
Please explore our website further or contact us for more information.
Best regards,
Enjoli N. Barnes
Co-Chair of the Equity in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Caitlin White, MD
Co-Chair of the Equity in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism