Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

On Friday, February 9, Emory Eye Center took a break from eyesight to widen our vision.

Leading that journey was Atlanta media icon and community advocate Monica Kaufman Pearson, whose talk, “Letting Diversity Encourage Us” challenged clinicians, residents, staff, and administrators to rethink their approach to workplace diversity.

“Diversity really is a thing of beauty,” Pearson said, referencing the daffodils, cherry blossoms, chirping birds and buzzing insects that flood our senses every spring. “This diversity not only makes a pretty picture but also a peaceful scene. Everything is different, yet everything works in harmony. Diverse, yet dependent.”

Applied to human affairs, she said, this simple concept encounters its biggest obstacle in fear.  “There is beauty in nature and also in people, but sometimes it’s hard to see because of fear.  We are afraid of new ideas that we think will make us look outdated, or we’re stuck in a rut of ‘That’s the way we always did it.’” ....read more

Lessens the cost of investigating an ophthalmology residency

The Emory Eye Center's Open DOOR (Diversity and Opportunity in Ophthalmology Rotation) Program is a financially supported, away-rotation program for medical students (MS4's) who are considering pursuing a residency in ophthalmology. It is focused on recruiting medical students who are underrepresented in the field of ophthalmology - particularly those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.

One of the obstacles that frequently stops medical students from pursuing a specialty rotation -- money -- has been factored into the program. The Open DOOR offers a $3,000 stipend to defray the expense of locating in Atlanta to pursue an elective rotation in ophthalmololgy at Emory Eye Center.

It's an ambitious goal, but Open DOOR has already made some headway: after successfully completing his Open DOOR internship at Emory Eye Center in 2023, Florida State University School of Medicine graduate Cuneyt Ozkardes decided to join our highly competitive residency program.

Hear what Ozcardes had to say about his Open DOOR experience.

Find out more about (and apply to) the Open DOOR Program 

• We aim to prioritize diversity (defined broadly as gender, racial/cultural, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation, religious beliefs) in our recruitment and retention of team members (including faculty, staff, and trainees) and to create a culture that values and celebrates diversity at all levels.

• We aim to cultivate an inclusive community and a safe space for our team members and patients, as well as an ongoing commitment to advancing and embracing equity amongst our team members through transparency and open dialogue.

• We welcome ALL patients from all backgrounds, and aim to provide equal access to treatment, improve outcomes and eliminate disparities in care.