Awards and Distinctions section navigation

Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award

The award was established by the School of Medicine Recognitions Committee on behalf of the Dean to recognize faculty who have made significant achievements in ensuring that the climate of the school is characterized by inclusivity and organizational equity through leveraging the varied attributes of diversity in our community.

Two people standing one holding a glass award

Nomination Process

The Emory University School of Medicine (EUSOM) is committed to ensuring a climate of inclusion and organizational equity by leveraging the varied attributes of diversity in our community. The EUSOM believes it is imperative that we train, recruit, retain, and employ faculty, staff, and learners who relate to, engage with, and meet the needs of the multicultural and international communities we serve. Organizational culture rich in diverse attributes and life experiences enhances our ability to deliver equitable, cross-cultural healthcare and lead the effort to eliminate health inequities and improve health outcomes locally, regionally, and globally.

The EUSOM Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award has been established by the School of Medicine Recognitions Committee on behalf of the Dean to recognize EUSOM faculty who have made significant contributions to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

One faculty member will be honored with the Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award in 2023. 

Deadline

Nominations will be accepted through July 10, 2023. Late submissions will not be accepted. 

Eligibility

All faculty with a primary appointment in the EUSOM. Those who have received this award in the past 3 years are not eligible.

Nominations

Faculty must be nominated by a faculty member, staff member, or trainee of Emory University. The nomination should consist of a concise narrative (500 words or less) describing how the nominee demonstrates excellence in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion to the benefit of the Emory community and/or the patients we serve. It should include specific examples of the individual’s outstanding achievements and contributions towards inclusive excellence by means of service, leadership, research and/or education. Outstanding examples of excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion can include, but are not limited to:

  • Promoting an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and nurturing to all faculty, staff, and learners within EUSOM
  • Improving awareness related to diversity, equity, inclusion, bias, and/or healthcare disparities within EUSOM • Engaging in the community with a focus on advancing health equity and/or reducing barriers to accessing care
  • Leading efforts to eliminate health inequities and improve health outcomes locally, regionally, or globally
  • Mentoring individuals from historically underrepresented groups (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, etc.)
  • Demonstrating leadership in diversity, equity, and/or inclusion activities within EUSOM
  • Initiating innovative approaches to creating diversity, ensuring equity, and/or fostering inclusion and social justice through research, innovation, education, and advocacy

Submission

Must use the online Award Nomination Form and include the following:

  • Nominating letter (500 words or less)
  • Nominee’s current Curriculum Vitae
  • Optional materials: One additional letter of support (500 words or less)

Decision

Will be made by the School of Medicine Recognitions Committee with input from the Chief Diversity Officer and approved by the Dean. The faculty member should be in good standing within their respective Department.

Award

Recipients will be announced and honored during the annual Celebration of Faculty Eminence.

Questions should be directed to SOM Office of Faculty Academic Affairs and Professional Development at somfde@emory.edu.

2022 Winners Spotlight

Tracey Henry Medicine

“Dr. Henry dedicates quite a bit of her time to social advocacy through the Back to School and mentorship programs for at-risk youth and those interested in entering the health professional fields. She is an active volunteer for Emory’s Health Careers Academy program to increase exposure to and diversity in medicine. Particularly impressive is Dr. Henry’s EMPACT mentoring program which provides students who self-identify as historically underrepresented in medicine and/or those who may come from disadvantaged backgrounds, with experiences that foster timely and successful matriculation through medical school in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.” 

Tracey Henry headshot

Randi Smith Surgery

“As a trauma surgeon, advocate, and leader at Grady, Dr. Smith has worked hard to make the Trauma Recovery Center a go-to resource for patients, led National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and continues to teach Stop the Bleed in refugee communities as well as to community members in areas of high gun violence. Prior to and now in her new role as Vice Chair of DEI, Dr. Smith continues to lead the effort to eliminate bias. She serves as the lead for trainees and faculty at Grady and Emory and holds Zoom sessions at all Emory hospitals to serve as a safe space for faculty to voice concerns. Dr. Smith also mentors trainees across several underrepresented groups in surgery and is the lead for the STaR program, a summer mentorship program that pairs college and medical students with surgery faculty to guide them through the research process and serve as mentors.”

Randi Smith headshot

Awardees

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018