Infusing diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the Washington University School of Medicine community

The mission of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is to:

Provide leadership, expertise and advocacy on all diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within Washington University School of Medicine.

Direct, lead and advance institutional efforts that create a welcoming, diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected.

Enhance and develop community partnerships designed to address health needs and promote health equity within the St. Louis community and beyond.

Read our office’s full mission and vision »

Helen E. Nash, MD, cares for infant patients at Homer G. Phillips Hospital, circa 1945.

Desegregating the Medical Campus

A new permanent exhibit and website share the historical experiences of Black doctors, nurses, patients, students and staff on the Medical Campus. Its purpose is to acknowledge past injustices, and serve as a reminder of our commitment to racial equity.

Explore online timeline » | About the exhibit »


Divisions that support our work

Core areas of focus housed within the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion include:

A young Black woman wearing a white physicians coat holds a handwritten sign that says: "My white coat means ... to commit to lifelong learning, humility and the fight for equity in science and medicine! 'Ndoto Zinatimia'"

MD Diversity Programs

Enhances the medical educational environment through recruitment of a culturally diverse academic workforce, while preparing a diverse student body to become leaders in a vibrant, global society. Offers programs for high school students; current students, trainees and junior faculty; visiting medical students and more.

Summer scholar Jakayla Folarin-Hines, left, meets with Victora Brings, PhD, right, to present and get feedback on her research.

Academic Pathway Programs

Builds an intentional and deliberate infrastructure to improve efforts in recruiting, retaining, and developing underrepresented applicants in medicine (UiM) and the STEM workforce. Connects high school, college, and doctoral students with educational and scientific activities which otherwise may be inaccessible.

A group of people examines and discusses a timeline documenting the medical campus history of segregation and desegregation.

Programming and Professional Development

Provides education, programming and consultation to the WashU Med community for increased understanding and skill development around the work of diversity, equity and inclusion, utilizing frameworks for culture change, restorative justice, health equity, community building and self-compassion.


Desegregation History Sharing Circles

In April 2024, WashU Medicine and BJC HealthCare unveiled a permanent exhibit documenting the history of desegregation at WashU Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The exhibit explores more than a century of perspectives of doctors, nurses, patients, students and staff.

The Sharing Circles will provide space for Medical Campus members to discuss their reactions, thoughts and questions related to their experience of the exhibit and the story it tells. Sessions will be held in April and May, in person and on Zoom.

Upcoming events

See all events »


Latest news and updates

2024 St. Louis Pride Festival & Parade!

Theme: “Unleash Your Pride” Pride Parade: OUTmed and the WashU Spectrum Office invite you, your families, and colleagues to march at the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Members from throughout the Washington University community are invited to march and participate.
Med Campus exhibit depicts historical experiences of Black employees, students, patients

Med Campus exhibit depicts historical experiences of Black employees, students, patients (Links to an external site)

A new exhibit, stretching nearly 50 yards along a prominent wall on the Medical Campus, demands attention. Historical photographs depict the experiences of Black individuals at WashU Medicine and its partner hospitals. Spanning two centuries, the timeline examines the past through an unfiltered lens while also showing how the Medical Campus has progressed in its commitment to racial equity and inclusion in patient care, research and education.
Desegregation History Sharing Circles for the WashU Med & BJC Community

Desegregation History Sharing Circles for the WashU Med & BJC Community

In April 2024, WashU Medicine and BJC HealthCare unveiled a permanent exhibit documenting the desegregation of the Medical Campus, exploring more than a century of perspectives of doctors, nurses, patients, students and staff. The Sharing Circles will provide space for community members to share their reactions, thoughts and questions related to their experience of the exhibit and the story it tells of our institutions and the region.

See all news »