Department of Surgery
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

DEI & Well-Being

OUR VISION
The Department of Surgery will create and maintain structures and processes to promote inclusive excellence and increase belonging, psychological safety, and well-being for all Department of Surgery faculty, staff and trainees.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Well-Being (DEIW) Committee
The DEIW Committee is a broadly inclusive group of faculty, staff, and trainees that meets quarterly to communicate updates on initiatives and opportunities for involvement with interested individuals and gather feedback. The committee is led by the Vice-Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Elise Lawson, MD, MSHS and the Vice-Chair for Well-Being, Dawn Elfenbein, MD, MPH

Sample Initiatives for DEIW:

  • Cultural Complications Curriculum
  • Anti-Racism Learning Group
  • Implicit Bias Training for Interviewers
  • Peer Support
  • Open Feedback Channels

Share Your Pronouns in Zoom >> 

Did you know you can add pronouns to your UW-Madison Zoom account? This feature allows you to let others know how to refer to you in meetings, classes, and anywhere else Zoom displays your name and profile.

Use NameCoach to record your pronunciation >>

NameCoach is a cloud-based service that allows UW-Madison students and staff to record their name, in their own voice. These recordings are accessible to all participants in a Canvas course as well as being able to be integrated into other systems. If you set up your NameBadge on the NameCoach website, you can add your recordings to your email and LinkedIn profile.

Institutional Resources

Department of Surgery DEIW News

More news >>

Why Wisconsin Surgery: Culture

Black Surgeons and Surgery in America >>

This text from the American College of Surgeons presents the history of the issues that shape the current debate on racial disparities in surgical care. Read the stories of the heroes who dedicated themselves—sometimes at the cost of their own lives—to the cause of racial equity in surgical care.
Download a PDF copy at no cost and/or purchase a printed copy in the ACS e-store for $25 (ACS member pricing available).

Join an ERG >>

Department of Surgery faculty, staff, residents, and fellows are invited to participate in UW Health's voluntary, employee-led Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

ERGs focus on the experiences and perspectives of people of a particular race, ethnic or cultural background, gender, gender identity, religion, age cohort, sexual orientation, history of disabilities, military services, or other affinities. Participation provides opportunities to network, pursue professional and personal development, foster community, and support education and initiatives aimed at enhancing equity and inclusion.

The first five ERG pilots are African American/Black, LGBTQ+, Women’s Leadership Group, Military Service Membership, and Latinx. Click on the title above to learn more and find out how to join!

Dawn Elfenbein, MD, MPH
Vice Chair for Well-Being, Department of Surgery

Elise Lawson, MD
Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Department of Surgery

UW Academic Calendar & Religious Observances >>

Click on the title above for the UW–Madison academic calendar and a listing, though not exhaustive, of religious holidays.

Diversity-Related Events on Campus