Diversity Week is a lunchtime lecture series that explores multiculturalism and effective health care delivery in the St. Louis community.
Medical students select the guest speakers and organize the week’s activities, which include student panel discussions and a multi-ethnic dinner.
Diversity Week: Creating Community – 2020 Schedule
Monday, March 9
- Lunch Talk: “Why Diversity Matters”
Introduction to the week of lunch talks and events including a discussion of the importance of diversity in medicine and what we can do now and in our future careers to foster diversity.
Tuesday, March 10
- Lunch Talk: “Inclusivity and Accessibility of Care: Caring for Patients with Intellectual Disabilities”
Learn practical information on how physicians can provide competent and sensitive care for patients with intellectual disabilities. This panel will feature representatives from The St. Louis Arc, a local nonprofit that empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Wednesday, March 11
- Lunch Talk: “Reaching Refugee and Immigrant Populations”
A panel-based conversation about the unique health needs of refugee and immigrant populations, particularly in terms of access, outcomes, and the need for advocacy.
- Evening Talk: Multi-cultural potluck with identity-based student groups
Identity-based student groups will present their ongoing community work and initiatives as a way for the student groups to share their work with the larger WUSM community.
Thursday, March 12
- Lunch Talk: “Creating an LGBTQ+-Friendly Practice”
A panel discussion, featuring both physician and patient perspectives, on what every physician can do – regardless of specialty – to best care for their LGBTQ+ patients. As an added bonus, the patients are also leaders of local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and will be discussing their community-building efforts.
Friday, March 13
- Lunch Talk: “Caring for Your Community”
Three physician leaders discuss building trust with patients from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and how to be an advocate and incorporate this work into your identity as a physician.
- Dinner: Jewish Medical Student Association Shabbat Dinner
Saturday, March 14
- Closing Dinner: Dean Will Ross’ Residence