Dawd Siraj, MD, MPH&TM, professor, Infectious Disease, has been named the Department of Medicine’s Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

In this role, Dr. Siraj will work to create a workplace that enables an inclusive and diverse environment and foster a culture where all faculty, trainees and staff are highly valued, supported and celebrated.

He will be responsible for building consensus around DEI implementation, assessing the cultural, environmental and operational factors within the department that affects DEI, and ensure best DEI practices are implemented in recruitment and retention.

His experience as director of the Global Health Pathway, Infectious Diseases Society of America task force member for Diversity, Equity Access and Inclusion and training with National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) to become a mentor for minority medical students has equipped Dr. Siraj to help introduce systemic and intentional changes within the department.

His commitment to DEI efforts is strong and is shown through his work, such as co-authoring the article, “The Impact of Unconscious Bias in Healthcare: How to Recognize and Mitigate It,” as well as speaking up to change the unfair and biased monthly ambulatory dashboard reporting.

“I am honored to serve as the Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and working with all of you, I hope to build a diverse, inclusive and accessible department for all,” said Dr. Siraj.

Banner: Dawd Siraj, MD, MPH&TM, Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Credit: Clint Thayer/Department of Medicine.