Weill Cornell Medical College has announced the establishment of the Office of Faculty Diversity in Medicine and Science, dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusiveness, diversity and equity in academic leadership.
Dr. Debra G.B. Leonard, professor of pathology and laboratory medicine, will serve as chief diversity officer. She will work with Dr. Carla Boutin-Foster, associate professor of medicine and associate professor of public health, who will serve as the Office's director of diversity in medicine and science; and Dr. Rache Simmons, the Anne K. and Edwin C. Weiskopf Professor of Surgical Oncology, who was named director of women in medicine and science.
Dr. Carla Boutin-Foster
"Committing ourselves to diversity makes us better educators, physicians and scientists, enriching our collaborations and equipping us to serve our increasingly complex and pluralistic society," said Dr. Antonio M. Gotto Jr., the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College. "I am very pleased to have Drs. Leonard, Boutin-Foster and Simmons take the lead with this important initiative."
"The Office of Faculty Diversity in Medicine and Science will work with the entire Weill Cornell community to increase diversity within the faculty and the Medical College leadership with the goal of attracting and supporting all the talented individuals who can contribute to the medical, research and teaching missions of the College," said Dr. Leonard.
The primary goal of this new office is the recruitment, mentoring, promotion and retention of a diverse faculty. That will be achieved by encouraging an environment that is welcoming to that diverse faculty.
The Medical College defines diversity as encompassing race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or status as a disabled veteran.
Dr. Rache Simmons
"Initially we will undertake a faculty survey to assess how we are currently doing with diversity, inclusiveness and equity, and then design programs through a consensus process to address identified issues," said Dr. Leonard.
Weill Cornell has a long tradition of promoting diversity through educational and community outreach programs that span over half a century. The Office of Faculty Diversity in Medicine and Science will build upon existing programs focused on enhancing diversity among Weill Cornell's student body — programs developed by Dr. Carlyle H. Miller, associate dean for student and equal opportunity programs at Weill Cornell.
"Our students expect to learn from faculty whose diverse backgrounds match their own. To this end, we aim to cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment that celebrates each of our singular abilities and perspectives," Dr. Miller said.
The Office of Faculty Diversity has launched an initial Web site at www.med.cornell.edu/diversity.