Department statement on DEIA

At the highest levels of leadership, Washington University School of Medicine has made meaningful commitments to diversity and anti-racism. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is committed to collective change and is actively working towards more inclusion, diversity, equity, and advancement in our department and at Washington University School of Medicine.

We recognize that our patients’ health impacts the health of families and communities. We acknowledge racism, not race, is a public health problem. We recognize that LGBTQ+ patients have faced discrimination and harm by the medical community. And as physicians, clinicians, healthcare workers, researchers, and educators, we take seriously our responsibility and our privilege to be part of the solution.


IDEA2 Office

IDEA2 stands for Inclusion, Innovation, Diversity, Discovery, Equity, Excellence, Advocacy, and Advancement. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology launched the IDEA2 Office in 2021 to promote diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the department, across the institution, and with community partners. The office aims to create welcoming cultures of belonging and increase community partnerships through engagement and trust.

The IDEA2 principles are integrated into our CARE model (clinical service, administrative support and oversight, research, and education). The values that guide CARE are Competence, Curiosity, and Compassion. 

Department and Trainee Initiatives

IDEA2 Office
IDEA2 stands for Inclusion, Innovation, Diversity, Discovery, Equity, Excellence, Advocacy, and Advancement. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology launched the IDEA2 Office in 2021 to promote diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the department, across the institution, and with community partners. The office aims to create welcoming cultures of belonging and increase community partnerships through engagement and trust. 

DEIA Residency Curriculum 
Established in June 2021, our resident-run curriculum encompasses 9 events throughout the year, each focusing on different topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and advocacy. Learn more

Division of Clinical Research Community Advisory Board 
The CAB is a resource for connecting and relaying information between communities and researchers. The CAB shares community information and assistance to research projects or initiative teams. Their advice can be used to improve and promote communication and provide ideas for quality improvement. The CAB is an opportunity to build bridges of trust and possibilities of collaboration between academics and communities. Learn more about the CAB

Subcommittee for Gender Diverse Care
The IDEA2 subcommittee is a diverse group of people who are tasked with improving the care we provide to transgender and gender expansive patients.  As part of this initiative, we have begun to roll out an assessment that will inform future QI/QA interventions. Learn more about the Subcommittee for Gender Diverse Care

University-wide Initiatives & Resources
ResourceDescription / Website
Diversity, Equity & InclusionBacked by strong commitments from the School of Medicine dean and school leadership, and priorities and programs coordinated by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more equitable campus and community where everyone is welcomed, respected and supported. Learn more
Office of Diversity, Equity & InclusionThe Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion aims to create a workplace environment that is diverse, inclusive and nurturing of people from all backgrounds. Learn more
Office of Diversity ProgramsThe Office of Diversity Programs enhances the educational environment through recruitment of a culturally diverse academic workforce while preparing a diverse student body to become leaders in a vibrant, global society. Learn more
Academy for Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe Academy works with existing diversity, equity, inclusion, climate, and culture offices, initiatives, and entities across the university serving as a catalyst for this work across the institution. Learn more
Office of Diversity Programs (Residents and Fellows)The Office of Diversity Programs is committed to cultural competence in post-graduate medical education and training. Learn more
Anti-Racism ResourcesBrowse anti-racism resources such as articles, books, podcasts and more. Learn more
Diversity Groups for Faculty and StaffEngage in campus conversations, cultural celebrations, advocacy opportunities and more through events happening on and near campus. Learn more
Affinity Groups for Faculty and Staff supported by The AcademyAffinity groups are self-governed and led by volunteer staff and faculty leaders that support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that shift the culture and climate of the WashU community. Learn more
Affinity Groups at the School of MedicineThe Office of Diversity Programs supports a variety of student affinity groups. Learn more
Student Groups at the School of MedicineWUSM encourages and supports student organizations and programs that provide learning experiences beyond the classroom and the medical center. Learn more
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Advocacy (DEIA) at OBGYNOBGYN Resident-run DEIA Committee Learn more
OUTMedOUTmed is a Department of Medicine sponsored organization that advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community.  Membership is comprised of faculty, trainees, residents, students, staff and allies. Learn more
OutMentorOUTmentor is a mentoring program for SGM/LGBTQIA+ identifying faculty and trainees at the School of Medicine. Learn more
LGBTQMedLGBTQ Med is the Washington University School of Medicine student-run interest group dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) identity and health. Learn more
Students and Healthcare Abilities Coalition (SHAC)This group aims to both improve healthcare for disabled people and create a community by and for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses and their allies across all programs at WUSM. Learn more
Mentorship to Enhance Diversity in Academia (MEDA) ProgramThe MEDA program will provide trainees with support, resources, personalized guidance, and engaging opportunities they need to become successful at WUSM and in their future careers. Learn more
Washington University Minority Medical Association (WUMMA) Residents and fellows who are a member of a group that is underrepresented in medicine and are interested in professional development and community building Learn more
Forum for Women in MedicineProvide skill sets for the professional development of women trainees in the Department of Medicine Learn more
Academic Women’s NetworkEstablished in 1990 by women faculty at WUSM to promote professional interactions and career development and to assist and mentor women in science and medicine. Learn more
American Medical Women’s Association (WashU Chapter)The WashU chapter of a national organization that is dedicated to promoting women’s health, improving the professional development and personal well-being of its members, and increasing the influence of women in all aspects of the medical profession. Learn more
Association of Women SurgeonsThe group focuses on bringing together female students with an interest in surgery, along with female surgical residents and faculty. Learn more
IDEA2 Related Resources
OrganizationLinks & Documents
Association of American Medical CollegesAdvancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Medical Education
Achieving excellence through equity, diversity, and inclusion
AMA-AAMC Advancing Health Equity: A Guide to Language, Narrative and Concepts
Anti-racism in Medicine Collection
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical EducationACGME Equity Matters Video Library
Think Cultural Health is sponsored by the Office of Minority HealthCulturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards
American Academy of Physician AssociatesDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion CME Series
Association of Physician Associates in Obstetrics and GynecologyDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion Toolkit
American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsDiversity, Equity & Inclusive Excellence at ACOG
Patient Safety Bundle: Reduction of Peripartum Racial Ethnic Disparities
Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health: Racial & Ethnic Disparities
UC Davis – School of MedicineI-DARE Taskforce Initiative Toolkit
American Hospital AssociationA Toolkit for Achieving Success and Sharing Your Story
Strategies for Leadership: Does your hospital reflect the community it serves?  A Diversity and Cultural Proficiency Assessment Tool for Leaders
AHA Institute for Diversity and Health EquityHealth Equity Resource Series: Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership and Governance
Health Equity Resource Series: Training and the Culture of Learning
Health Equity Resource Series: Data-Driven Care Delivery Health
Equity Resource Series: Community Partnerships: Strategies to Accelerate Health Equity
HEAL: Health Equity Action Library
National Academy of ScienceAssessing Meaningful Community Engagement
Region V Public Health Training CenterTraining Catalog
Health Research & Educational Trust, Institute for Diversity in Health ManagementBuilding a culturally competent organization: The quest for equity in health care
Racial Equity ToolsReproductive Justice Key Sites 
American Public Health AssociationVideo: What is Health Equity? Episode 2 of “That’s Public Health”
Health Equity
Racism and Health
Mosaic in MedicineOnline peer-reviewed publication for underrepresented voices in medicine
WashU OBGYN does not claim ownership of the above resources. The above is a collection of IDEA2 related resources for referencing convenience
Andrea Hagemann, MD, former resident Lulu Yu, MD, and resident Melissa Cantave, MD, talk in the hall outside the operating rooms at CAM on December 3, 2021. MATT MILLER/WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

IDEA2 News

DEIA Committee Celebrates Black History Month

The following information was curated by: Dr. Halley Staples (bio), DEIA Committee. Alexa Irene Canady, MD (1950 – present)  Alexa Irene Canady was born in Michigan in 1950, where she ultimately attended University of Michigan and received a B.S. in zoology. Prior to her graduation, Canady nearly dropped out due to lack of self-confidence, however, […]

DEIA Committee Celebrates L.A.B. Days

The following information was curated by: Dr. Bridget Huysman (bio), DEIA Committee. From February 28 to March 1 we recognize the Betsey, Lucy, and Anarcha Days of Recognition.  Lucy, Anarcha, and Betsey were three enslaved women who underwent multiple experimental surgical procedures without anesthesia under the care of James Marion Sims.  Take a moment during these […]

Celebrating some of The First Black Women Surgeons

The following information was curated by: Dr. Rachel Furuya (bio), DEIA Committee The DEIA committee is proud to present our third annual Black History Month programming, which will feature two of the first Black female surgeon pioneers of their time. Patricia E. Bath, MD (1942-2019) Dr. Patricia Bath was an ophthalmologist, research scientist, and advocate […]

IDEA2 Events


University-wide DEIA News
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