It is the mission of the Department of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and justice among students, trainees, faculty and staff as a prerequisite in advancing innovation and excellence in education, research and patient-centered care. We embrace the spectrum of human diversity that is inclusive but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, disability and socioeconomic status. We affirm the essential dignity and value of every individual, their rights to safety and health and their ability to act on these rights in an environment free of intolerance, violence and discrimination. We strive to foster and maintain an anti-racist culture within our institution. The Department of Pediatrics must uphold these rights and create an environment where individuals can thrive.
Diversity Throughout the Health Care System
Diversity, equity, inclusion and justice is being addressed throughout all the systems involved with the Department of Pediatrics.
Vision
Promote diversity, equity, inclusion and justice to foster a community reflective of the patients we serve.
Core Values
EducationEducation that fosters cultural consciousness, humility and anti-racist stance to demonstrate the crucial need for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice to support, retain and recruit diversity in residents, faculty and staff
Mentorship
Mentorship that creates an avenue for support, collaboration and opportunity for all individuals
Service
Service that promotes a culture of acceptance, inclusion, mutual trust and respect by addressing social determinants of health and the root causes of social injustice to advocate for health equity and decrease health disparities
Scholarship
Scholarship that promotes education, innovation, research and publication to recruit, retain and help to excel a diverse population of care providers and better care for our diverse patient population
Annual Intern Welcome Reception
The Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Committee hosts an annual intern welcome reception. During this event, we set a standard for advocacy in terms of social justice and anti-racism.
Pillars of Diversity

Representational Diversity
Check out IUPUI's list of affinity groups.

Inclusive Environment
Learn more about programs through IU School of Medicine that are promoting an inclusive environment.

Cultural Competence
Explore Indiana University's cultural competency training.
Find out about IU School of Medicine's annual LQBTQ conference.

Health Equity
Video
Women’s Equality Day Commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. This step forward for women was only the beginning of progressive shifts that helped women to become heard, seen, appreciated and respected. Over time, women slowly became a welcome voice in spaces where they were once silenced, and we are celebrating that success!
This year, Riley Children’s Health and the Department of Pediatrics honored Women’s Equality Day by creating space for our teammate voices to be heard regarding this monumental occasion. Help us continue to uplift the strides made and the work necessary to develop true equality for women.
Pediatrics
Chosen Families
Ashley Dummer | Jul 02, 2021
Diversity Blogs
Persistence - Treadwell Lecture features Marly Bradley
Leading the Way in LGBTQ Health Care Education in Indiana
Women lead key areas of IU School of Medicines educational mission
IU School of Medicine Mental Health Services supports medical trainees during trying times
Diversity, equity and inclusion task forces issue first updates
Elaine Cox MD Women in Medicine Trailblazer Shares Her Career Journey
Mistreatment Reporting
The Department of Pediatrics takes professionalism very seriously. If you have experienced mistreatment, please visit this link for the mistreatment reporting form. Additionally, both positive experiences where team members feel valued and interactions that do not align with IU Health values can be reported to the Riley Respect & Dignity System.
Mental Health
For trainees: The Department of Mental Health Services at IU School of Medicine is available to provide mental health and personal counseling services to all students, residents and fellows. There are two ways to access services:
- In an emergency, call 800-909-6105 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A licensed clinical health specialist will provide an assessment and help direct you to appropriate treatment options based on the situation. You may also call on behalf of a trainee if you are a family member, friend or colleague concerned about their well-being. You may call anonymously if desired.
- To request an appointment with the Department of Mental Health services, send a secure message via their online portal or call 317-278-2383 during normal business hours.
For IU Employees:
- IU Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides 24/7/365 access to licensed mental health counselors via SupportLinc or 888-881-LINC (5462) for IU School of Medicine team members and their households.
Upcoming Diversity Events
Committee Leadership
If you have any questions or wish to get involved, please contact us:Committee Members

Marco S. Almeda, MD
PGY 5
Creighton University School of Medicine
He/Him/His

Richelle M. Baker, MD, MS
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
She/Her/Hers

Patrick W. Clements, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
He/Him/His

Leslie A. Enane, MD, MSc
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
She/Her/Hers

Levi Funches, MD, BA
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
He/Him/His

Brittany M. Huynh, MD, MPH
PGY 5
Indiana University School of Medicine

Melissa D. Klitzman, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
She/Her/Hers

Julia E. LaMotte, MS, PhD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
She/Her/Hers

Zeina M. Nabhan, MD, MS
Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education
She/Her/Hers

Jerry L. Rushton, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
He/Him/His

Andrew R. Shriner, MD, FAAP
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
He/Him/His

Lynne A. Sturm, PhD, HSPP
Associate Professor Emeritus of Clinical Pediatrics
She/Her/Hers

Alvaro J. Tori, MD
Senior Associate Dean for Diversity Affairs
He/Him/His