In medicine, inclusion is not simply important in theory. Lives depend on it. Teams that are racially, ethnically, gender and orientation diverse are best equipped to provide cross-culturally competent care, engage patients in their healthcare management, improve diagnostic accuracy, and improve healthcare outcomes. Inclusion and belonging within medical education has been shown to enhance the training experience and improve learner satisfaction. Inclusive teams, teams that value the contributions of all members, demonstrate enhanced problem solving and innovation. Simply put, belonging and inclusion are essential to our core mission of training excellence and imperative to providing the best possible patient care.
As a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics program, our faculty and trainees participate in the many health equity initiatives taking place at each of our parent institutions in collaboration with our categorical peers. Within our residency program, we are continually working to ensure holistic review of every applicant. We are committed to supporting our current trainees through mentorship and community. We strive to be an anti-racist program working towards inclusion and a sense of belonging for trainees and patients alike.
Mission Statement
Our Med Peds residency program is committed to providing quality care to the diverse population of central Ohio. We believe one of the best ways to achieve this is by fostering a workforce that is culturally diverse and actively working towards equity. As a residency family made up of different backgrounds, we know each of our residents brings a unique voice and set of experiences that enriches our conversations, strengthens our awareness, and helps us grow as physicians and leaders. Together, we share a common goal of reducing systemic biases affecting our patients.
Med Peds Team for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity: TIDE
Our Med Peds Resident led Team for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (TIDE) spearheads grassroots efforts to increase the workforce diversity through outreach, partnering with student groups, enhancing the recruitment experience and supporting the community of residents who call Ohio State and Nationwide Children’s Hospital home.
Why inclusion and belonging matters to our TIDE resident leaders
As a first-generation immigrant and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have personally experienced the value of engaging in DEI efforts within our work force to improve the care we provide for our patients. I am not from Columbus or Ohio, so it was a big surprise to me to see the high degree of diversity within our patient population at Ohio State and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, contrary to my biased view regarding the demographics of the city. I am excited to work with Nicole and Josh in continuing and creating TIDE initiatives to support the recruitment of a diverse cohort of co-residents that will serve our community here in Columbus!
I grew up in Tucson, Arizona and spent time in Portland, as well as Denver, before returning to Arizona for medical school. My mother is Ecuadorian, and I have special interest in the health of Hispanic/Latino populations. While in medical school, I obtained my masters focusing on the patterns of migration of unaccompanied immigrant minors from South/Central America to the United States. I also gained experience with forensic medical evaluations in ICE detention centers, and worked in a medical clinic for asylum seekers who had been released from detention.
Here in Ohio, I have continued my interest in the care of Hispanic communities through involvement with Clinica Latina and look forward to spreading interest in Med-Peds, and our strong Ohio State/Nationwide Children’s Hospital program, among Under-Represented in Medicine medical students. Talk to me about where to find the best local tacos/empanadas (I have a ranked list), running clubs, volleyball and whether or not you can bike to work in a snowstorm (spoiler alert: you can, but would not recommend).
I am from originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina and am the child of two immigrants. One of my interests includes working with underserved populations. When I moved to Columbus, I was pleasantly surprised by the melting pot of different communities and cultures that Columbus has. With TIDE, I hope to help our residents gain more exposure with these different cultures and advocate for underrepresented populations. Josh, James, and I are hoping to introduce and implement a variety of TIDE events this year (including lots of food-centered events), and we are hoping our residents will enjoy them!
Please reach out to our TIDE leadership with any questions: _MedPedsTIDE_@osumc.edu