

Mission Statement
The mission of DISC is to foster and ensure the sustainability of a culture in which all members of the department feel respected, supported and valued; are recognized for their unique and collective contributions; can engage in dialogue, question, learn and grow; have a sense of belonging within the departmental community; and can contribute meaningfully and to their fullest potential to the departmental and broader community.
Goals and Activities
To achieve this mission and in alignment with the four pillars of the Emory School of Medicine Office of Equity and Inclusion the goals and associated activities of DISC are as follows:
- Promote Awareness, Learning and Growing
- Educate members of the department community and relevant stakeholders through grand rounds, seminars and trainings, cultural case conferences, curricular initiatives, affinity month highlights, cultural kudos, diversity dialogues, etc.
- Increase the cultural responsiveness of departmental activities and services
- Foster an Inclusive Climate and Culture
- Secure and maintain inclusive excellence within the workforce
- Provide ongoing opportunities for sharing cultural stories, experiences and perspectives (e.g., DISC diversity moments, diversity dinners)
- Sponsor initiatives that support and celebrate cultural pluralism
- Host department-wide community circles
- Prioritize Community Engagement
- Engage in advocacy in partnership with the Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates
- Educate the broader community through presentations, podcasts, etc.
- Collaborate with health organizations that serve various communities within metropolitan Atlanta
- Engage in Research and Innovation
- Support the conduct and dissemination (e.g., presentations, publications, blogs) of innovative scholarly, teaching and service-related behavioral sciences projects and programs
- Monitor short and long-term progress in inclusive excellence, belonging, and community engagement activities