The UC Davis School of Medicine and Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis were recently named among the nation’s top institutions in higher education for their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Each school has earned the honor for two years.

On Oct. 10, the magazine INSIGHT Into Diversity announced the schools are among 62 institutions of higher education to receive the 2023 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.

“It is an honor to be recognized again for our wide-ranging efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at UC Davis, and in support of our surrounding communities,” said Hendry Ton, UC Davis Health’s associate vice chancellor for health equity, diversity and inclusion. “Multiple programs and initiatives were highlighted in the UC Davis School of Medicine and the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing award applications. I am so grateful for everyone involved in creating a sense of inclusion and belonging for our faculty, students, staff, trainees, and patients. Such efforts truly demonstrate how passionate we are about DEI.”

“I am so grateful for everyone involved in creating a sense of inclusion and belonging for our faculty, students, staff, trainees, and patients. Such efforts truly demonstrate how passionate we are about diversity, equity and inclusion.—Hendry Ton, associate vice chancellor for health equity, diversity and inclusion

The many programs and initiatives highlighted in the School of Medicine’s application included Prep Medico, Health Equity Academy, the Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism and Equity (I-DARE) initiative and the student-run affiliated clinics.

“Advancing health equity and keeping our patients at the center of everything we do are the foundation of our school’s missions,” said Susan Murin, interim dean of the School of Medicine. “A strong body of research supports that training future physicians who reflect the community’s diversity leads to better care and better health outcomes. We are honored that INSIGHT Into Diversity has recognized our ongoing efforts as we work to achieve health equity.”      

The School of Medicine and School of Nursing implement holistic admissions processes and robust pathway and student support programs. The School of Medicine is ranked as the country's third most diverse medical school and the School of Nursing’s students exceed national diversity rates by nearly 50%.

Recognizing that students have many ways of learning, processing information and interacting with course material, School of Nursing faculty and programs collaborate with students to develop individualized learning plans. Alumni are also recruited to serve as study group leaders in an inclusive learning environment.

“We are looking for diversity of thought to build and sustain an academic environment where every member appreciates inclusiveness, equity and cultural awareness,” explained nursing Dean Stephen Cavanagh. “Through our innovative approaches, we expand access to and the quality of health care services for all patients by educating and preparing a student body that can best serve our community.”

The Health Professions HEED Award acknowledges multiple U.S. health schools — including medical, pharmacy, nursing, veterinary, and allied health — that demonstrate outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. HEED honorees will be highlighted in the November/December 2023 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine — one of the oldest publications dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.

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