Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine is committed to fostering a culture of respect, integrity and belonging for all. We strive to create an inclusive academic and clinical environment where individuals from all backgrounds are supported in their education, research and professional development. Our DEI efforts are guided by principles of equal opportunity and compliance with federal and state regulations.

We offer mentorship and development opportunities that are open to all individuals, with the goal of fostering diverse perspectives in medicine. These initiatives are designed to support excellence and representation across the full spectrum of lived experiences, without regard to race, ethnicity, gender or other personal attributes. Participation in such initiatives is voluntary and grounded in principles of nondiscrimination.

Our recruitment and admissions processes follow a holistic review framework that values academic achievement, leadership, resilience and service. We are committed to fair and lawful evaluation of all candidates and do not use race, gender or other protected characteristics as a determinative factor in admissions or hiring decisions.

We encourage participation in educational programming that promotes cultural awareness, inclusive communication and professionalism. These offerings are designed to enhance understanding and patient care and are provided in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines. Participation is voluntary unless mandated by broader institutional training requirements.

All DEI activities at Emory University are conducted in compliance with applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws, including Title VI, Title VII, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

1. Foster an inclusive culture of learning, open dialogue and professionalism that supports respect for all individuals and promotes equitable engagement across diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
2. Enhance the educational curriculum by recommending resources that build awareness of how social, cultural and structural factors influence population health, in alignment with evidence-based practice and academic standards.
3. Promote faculty and staff development in inclusive teaching, mentorship and leadership practices to support learners from all backgrounds and foster a culture of belonging and mutual support.
4. Advance equitable access to professional development and workplace opportunity by identifying and reducing barriers to success for all faculty and staff, in compliance with institutional and federal non-discrimination policies.
5. Support evidence-informed program growth through inclusive outreach and holistic recruitment practices for students, faculty and staff—without using race, ethnicity or other protected characteristics as determinative factors in admissions or hiring.
6. Engage university and community stakeholders to inform the program about cultural, societal and professional needs that shape education, service and collaboration, with a commitment to mutual respect and shared learning.

Awareness, Learning & Growing

1. Support inclusive education and development by creating opportunities for faculty, students and staff to engage in voluntary learning experiences on topics such as cultural humility, communication across differences and respectful workplace practices.
2. Integrate inclusive perspectives into the curriculum by ensuring content addresses structural, historical and social influences on health outcomes in a manner consistent with medical evidence and professional standards.
3. Strengthen DEI leadership and collaboration by expanding the Rehabilitation Medicine DEI Committee to include diverse viewpoints and consider frameworks of justice and equity as part of institutional advancement - within the bounds of federal and institutional policy.
4. Promote scholarship and visibility by encouraging participation in national professional organizations and supporting academic work related to inclusive excellence and health equity.

Inclusive Culture & Climate

1. Develop a multi-year inclusive excellence plan that outlines strategies for holistic recruitment, retention and mentorship of students, residents, faculty and staff - ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination laws and a focus on merit, experience, and potential.
2. Embed equity-minded practices in departmental operations to create an environment where all members can thrive and contribute meaningfully, guided by principles of transparency, respect and equal opportunity.

Community Engagement

1. Collaborate across units to develop strategies that support academic success and well-being for all students and residents, with special attention to removing barriers to achievement and fostering a sense of belonging.
2. Explore equitable partnerships with peer institutions, including medical colleges serving diverse populations, by identifying research, training or educational opportunities that benefit all participants and align with federal grant-making standards.
3. Host informational events open to all medical students interested in rehabilitation medicine, emphasizing mentorship, professional development and exposure to the field.
4. Advance inclusive community outreach programs that promote early exposure to rehabilitation careers for high school and college students, ensuring participation is inclusive, voluntary and merit-based.

Research & Innovation

1. Promote inclusive research practices by encouraging diversity of thought, background and methodology in scholarly inquiry. Support Emory-affiliated research that explores how social and structural factors influence rehabilitation care and access, in compliance with academic freedom and nondiscrimination guidelines.