The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Occupational Medicine is committed to fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment, to the benefit of our patients, faculty, trainees, and staff. This is reflected in the dialogue surrounding gender diversity and the importance of women in leadership within our division. We recognize that women bring fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, effective leadership, and good communication, while encouraging collaboration. There is an institutional emphasis on equitable representation among women, especially in terms of moving up the academic ranks and tenured track. Emphasis has been placed on the recruitment and retention of qualified women faculty and staff, in addition to mentoring and supporting them in their individual paths.
The Pulmonary Division models the institutional efforts to create a more inclusive environment by committing to making an honest effort to listening and understanding the experiences of women faculty & staff in the workplace. This has included piloting a Climate Assessment Study in hopes of identifying areas of weakness that can be improved upon. Efforts also include the restoration of the “Women in Pulmonary Group” where women in the division meet periodically to encourage camaraderie, mentorship, networking, research collaboration, and teaching.
A diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committee has been developed within the division to ensure the mission of the institution is carried forward, in narrowing the gap of gender inequalities. Two of our very own faculty, Drs. Cynthia Brown and Francesca Duncan serve as the Co-chair of Women in Medicine Group and Equity & Inclusion Committee in the Department of Medicine.
The Pulmonary Division hopes to continue to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for the women that work here, ensuring there is a pathway for everyone to succeed.
