At Rochester Regional Health, diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into the tapestry of our culture and health equity is our true north. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds are included, valued, and respected. We believe our workforce and patient care are directly connected, and that our diversity makes us smarter, stronger, and better able to serve our community compassionately and effectively.

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Fund (DEI Fund) was established by Nananamibia Duffy, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist. Dr. Duffy saw great value in a fund that contributes to long lasting change at Rochester Regional Health and in the community. She explains, "Building a pipeline for diverse providers to care for our patient population and working towards health equity are big focuses of this fund. Our patients deserve so much, and this was a way to give back."

The fund will support initiatives that diversify the ethnic and gender identities represented in our systems workforce and clinician pipeline. Rochester Regional Health has pipeline programs for individuals as young as kindergarten to medical school. Below are a few examples of these programs.

The Scrubs Club harnesses the interest of elementary students in healthcare careers through targeted, age appropriate, interactive programs. For example, grade K-3 can participate in the Teddy Bear Clinic and get and introduction to blood pressure screening as well as behavioral health and explore feelings. Pulse Academy is for grades 4-5 and students work with life-size CPR dolls and learn the Heimlich maneuver and proper hand washing.

The Women/Men in Healthcare programs are for high school students and introduce students to health care professionals who look like them and come from similar communities. The health care professionals are a source of inspiration for students and often become mentors.

Preparation for the MCAT placement exam is an expense that is a barrier for many to enter medical school. MCAT preparatory courses help college students prepare for the most important test in their journey. Without a solid MCAT score, a student will not be admitted into medical school.

The Equity Clerkship Program exposes fourth-year medical students from underrepresented groups to a career in community healthcare to mentor and prepare them for residency positions.

Consider a gift to the DEI Fund and improve the livelihood and wellness of many.

"A true commitment to DEIA goes beyond training and requires efforts toward diversifying the workforce at all levels. It is critical that we encourage individuals of diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in the medical field. We must begin with children at the grade school level from underrepresented backgrounds, with a continuing commitment to them throughout their educational and professional careers. Supporting underrepresented students through their health care training and medical residencies, and ultimately university faculty and health care leadership, are all critically important to working towards the elimination of health disparities in our region." - Common Ground Health. Critical Condition: Sustainable Investments Required to Build a Skilled, Supported and Equitable Health Care Workforce, 2020, workforcereport-r10.pdf (cmsmax.com)