The Penn Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology is committed to leveraging all of our resources to promoting equitable access and outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities, and underserved populations. We believe equitable cancer care and care for patients with benign hematologic diseases, including sickle cell disease, is a basic human right. Our mission, in collaboration with the Abramson Cancer Center, is to apply rigorous research methods to eliminating health disparities nationally and globally; continue to promote the representation of a diverse population in our research trials and support policies that promote equitable access of novel therapeutics for all our cancer and benign hematology patients.
We are also committed to creating a diverse workforce by recruiting trainees, faculty and staff that represent our broader society, and creating an inclusive and supportive culture that values all individuals. We strive to educate and train our staff to provide inclusive healthcare with cultural humility to the communities we serve.
We aspire to use this pivotal moment in our history to make sustainable changes that will promote equity, respect and dignity in the care that we provide and consciously address racism and its effects on our patient population and colleagues. We invite you to learn about the people, programs and resources that promote diversity, inclusion and equity as core and integral values in everything that we do.
Yehoda Martei, MD, MSCE
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Vice Chief of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity Division of Hematology/Oncology
Hematology-Oncology Division Statement on Black Lives Matter
Let us state clearly: Black Lives Matter. To the Black faculty, nurses, staff, fellows, residents, students specifically: we hear you, we see you, we want you to know that you matter; we support you, not only during this heightened moment but after the headlines are gone. We stand in solidarity with members of our local and national community against racism in all forms. Racism in any form is not acceptable. Black Lives Matter is not simply a hashtag, it is recognizing Black individuals as their full selves and their countless contributions to society.
Let us clearly see that we are at a pivotal moment in history and we in the division of Hematology/Oncology are committed to do the necessary work to ensure that all members of the division feel safe, included, valued and with the expectation of good health and well-being. We will redouble our efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion throughout our division. As physicians, nurses, researchers, staff and trainees in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, we are committed to recognizing and dismantling systemic racism, to addressing social determinants of health, and to creating a more just and equitable society. These principles will continue to guide and center our work. It is not enough to talk about racism, we need all individuals to be actively engaged in anti-racism work to carry out the values and mission of the Hematology/Oncology division.
Additional Resources
Department of Medicine Diversity and Inclusion
Abramson Cancer Center Community and Engagement
Summer Research Program for Medical Students