From the Dean’s Desk | Health Equity is Part of Our Mission

In our effort to train our medical students to become both exceptional researchers and clinicians, we strive to also cultivate within them a deep understanding of healthcare disparities and the complex causes that contribute to them. To our way of thinking, physicians are duty bound to help ensure that people everywhere are given the chance to achieve their highest level of health and quality of life, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation/gender identity, or socioeconomic or disability status, to name but a few.

We take this responsibility so seriously that we included it in our mission statement: The mission of the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine is to educate a diverse group of individuals to become physician investigators who advance biomedical research, deliver exceptional clinical care and promote health equity.

One way we help to promote health equity is by encouraging student involvement in affinity groups such as

Black Women Physicians, CWRU Chapter; Case Med Pride; First Generation Medical Students; the Student National Medical Association/Latino Medical Student Association; and many others.

Earlier this year, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and CCLCM hosted the Latino Medical Student Association Midwest Regional Conference at the Health Education Campus. CCLCM student Eduardo Williams (’27) served as the Regional Co-Coordinator for the conference, which recorded its largest attendance in its history.

I’m delighted to report that during the LMSA conference, Monica Yepes-Rios, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Students, was given the Mentor of the Year Award. Dr. Yepes-Rios works tirelessly on behalf of our students, and she and her work deserve to be celebrated with this important recognition. Learn more about the conference in “Regional Conference Empowers, Unites LHS+ Students.”

Another way we help to promote health equity is through our nine diversity, equity and inclusion action groups, all of which include faculty and students as members. The groups were established from of the belief that, while words matter, action is what really counts. Through their initiatives, the groups are working to create positive change within CCLCM and the communities we serve.

For example, the Curriculum Review Clinical Cases Action Group reviews all clinical case presentations and educational materials to ensure that race, gender and sexual orientation are used and referenced appropriately. I invite you to read more about the group’s work in “Advancing Health Equity in Education and Practice.”

In our ongoing conversations with students, we often hear how our emphasis on healthcare inequities, particularly as they relate to the social constructs of race and ethnicity, resonates profoundly with them. They tell us that they are determined to help reduce healthcare disparities — they aim to become the kind of doctor some of their own families once needed — a commitment that aligns perfectly with our mission.

Bud Isaacson, MD

Executive Dean