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IDEAL Office | UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

IDEAL Office

Cancer Center’s IDEAL Office advances diversity by building a skilled, inclusive cancer research team in clinical and basic sciences.

IDEAL Office

IDEAL Office

The UC Davis Cancer Center's Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEAL) Office is a mission critical facet of the cancer center that leads the development of our plan for enhancing diversity, which includes increasing the number of diverse cancer center members, who are skilled clinical, translational, and basic science cancer research.

The Office of IDEAL will help achieve a cancer center leadership roster that reflects the communities we serve. Overall objectives include. In addition, the Office of Ideal.

  • Promotes pathways for career and leadership development opportunities for under-represented cancer center faculty
  • Develops infrastructure and policies designed to promote a culture of inclusivity, diversity equity and accessibility

IDEAL Vision and Aims

IDEAL Vision: We envision a climate that values and respects diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence at every level of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and help remove barriers caused by racism and social injustices.

To accomplish this vision, we aim to:

  1. Foster an inclusive and equitable culture
  2. Enhance career development for underrepresented groups
  3. Establish robust monitoring and support infrastructure

Plan for Enhancing Diversity

IDEAL Focus: The IDEAL office is dedicated to diversifying leadership, membership, and staff within the cancer center as part of a Plan for Enhancing Diversity (PED). To achieve this, IDEAL coordinates closely with the cancer center Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) and the Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC).

Core Areas: The Office of IDEAL conceptualizes, coordinates, and facilitates DEI initiatives in three core areas for the Plan for Enhancing Diversity (PED):

  1. Career and Leadership Pathways: Developing and promoting career and leadership opportunities to ensure diverse representation at all levels.
  2. Oncology Workforce Development: Fostering a diverse oncology workforce through targeted recruitment, training, and retention strategies.
  3. Center Climate and Culture: Enhancing the overall climate and culture of the center to be inclusive and supportive of all individuals, fostering a welcoming environment for staff, patients, and the community.
IDEAL Cancer Leadership Academy
IDEAL Cancer Leadership Academy

Who Can Join: The IDEAL Cancer Leadership Academy is for members of the cancer center who are early in their careers. We especially encourage those from underrepresented groups to join. You can be nominated by someone else or nominate yourself. We choose participants based on their career goals, leadership dreams, and how they incorporate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) into their work.

Why It's Here: The academy aims to build strong leaders in the cancer center. It gives participants the skills to address diversity and equity in cancer care through their research and clinical work.

How It Works: The initiative is led and supported by IDEAL and involves a collaboration between IDEAL, the Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC), and the Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) offices; together, developing the curriculum and measuring success.

Stay Tuned for Call for Nominations and Self Nominations

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council

Purpose: The DEI Advisory Council at the Office of IDEAL promotes accountability for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across the cancer center. It reviews DEI metrics, provides guidance on climate assessments, and supports efforts in recruitment, retention, and leadership. The council also fosters partnerships with relevant departments and initiatives.

Composition: The council includes key stakeholders from the cancer center, UC Davis Health, and other UC Davis locations, along with community partners. Members are experienced in integrating DEI into various areas of work and patient care.

Activities: The council consults on IDEAL’s strategic plan, DEI policies, and cultural assessments. It also suggests programs and strategies for recruitment and advancement, contributing to long-term DEI goals.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council
groups

I-DARE

Cancer Center I-DARE: The Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (I-DARE) initiative was established in 2020 by the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. The initiative is a drive to the health system wide effort to advance the goals outlined in the UC Davis Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Vision.

In supporting this initiative, the cancer center convened an I-DARE committee comprising of faculty and staff (administration, clinical, and research), and an action plan. 

Action Plan Core Values Highlights
  • Service and compassion
  • Discovery and innovation
  • Trust and inclusiveness
  • Engagement and collaboration
  • Diversity and community
Get Involved with I-DARE

For information on how to get involved in I-DARE, please contact Krandalyn Goodman, M.P.H. at klgoodman@ucdavis.edu.

Do you have an idea that will improve Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in our UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center? We want to hear from you!