Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Well-Being (DEIW) Committee
In 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Surgery launched a 5-year strategic plan that featured department culture as one of four strategic domains. Our goal in this domain is to develop an inclusive, collaborative, connected culture at all levels of the department, promoting a climate that supports professional fulfillment and well-being. To advance this goal, we created a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Well-Being (DEIW) committee to focus specifically on recruiting diverse faculty, staff, and trainees, enhancing cultural competence across the department, and promoting equity within our community.
Membership
DEIW committee participants come from all functional areas of the department (faculty, staff, and residents/fellows) and represent a wide variety of experiences and viewpoints. What we share is a passion for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, well-being, and overall belonging in our department and in our broader communities, and a commitment to working proactively to create real change.
Department of Surgery members who are interested in joining the DEIW committee can contact our committee co-chairs: Elise Lawson, MD & Dawn Elfenbein, MD, MPH
DEI Initiatives
- Faculty Recruitment & Hiring
- Resident Recruitment
- Anti-Racist Learning Group
- DEI Onboarding Practices
- Cultural Complications Curriculum
- DEI Grand Rounds
- Inclusive Communications
Well-Being Initiatives
- Peer Support: The Department implemented a local Peer Support Program in January, 2024. This program is housed within the home program of UW Health but has distinctive workflows tailored to the unique needs of our surgical faculty, staff, and trainees.
- Open Feedback Channels: In Fall of 2024, the Department initiated quarterly pulse surveys to address overall belonging of employees. This data will be used to track trends and drive decisions toward strategic goals.
For Applicants
The School of Medicine and Public Health is committed to being a diverse, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, LGBTQ+ and non-binary identities, women, persons with disabilities, military service members and veterans are strongly encouraged.
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.
Our Partners
Department of Surgery DEIW News
Welcome Jane Ewing, URiM Participant!
The School of Medicine and Public Health and Department of Surgery is committed to being a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist learning environment and workplace. The Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Visiting Student Scholarship Program, sponsored …
October 28, 2024
Welcome Spencer Jessop, URiM Participant!
The School of Medicine and Public Health and Department of Surgery is committed to being a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist learning environment and workplace. The Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Visiting Student Scholarship Program, sponsored …
September 3, 2024Dr. Tiffany Glazer’s Safe Pregnancy Guidelines Published in JAMA Surgery
Dr. Tiffany Glazer, Associate Professor in the Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, recently published an evidence-based analysis titled “Providing a Safe Pregnancy Experience for Surgeons: A Review” in JAMA Surgery. This publication examines the …
August 28, 2024
Welcome Claudio Gomez Ascencio, URiM Participant!
The School of Medicine and Public Health and Department of Surgery is committed to being a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist learning environment and workplace. The Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Visiting Student Scholarship Program, sponsored …
August 5, 2024
Welcome Justin Rodriguez, URiM Participant!
The School of Medicine and Public Health and Department of Surgery is committed to being a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist learning environment and workplace. The Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Visiting Student Scholarship Program, sponsored …
August 5, 2024- More Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Well-Being posts
Why Wisconsin Surgery: Culture
The Micropedia >>
Start browsing this resource to learn more about microaggressions and their impact.
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).
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.
Join an Employee Resource Group >>
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!
Diversity-Related Events on Campus
- January
- January 13Children’s African Story Hour (CASH)My Father’s Shop (Morocco)4:00 PM, Pinney Library (516 Cottage Grove Rd.)
- January 17New Transfer Student SymposiumCalling all new transfers for Spring 2025! Join the Transfer Engagement Program on January 17th to get prepared for classes and the year ahead!8:45 AM, Great Hall (4th Floor), Memorial Union
- January 17International Student Welcome and Information Fair (ISWIF)hosted by International Student Services (ISS)12:00 PM, International Community Center (Suite 130), Pyle Center
- January 21OPT Workshop: ISS Advising Workshop SeriesAdvising Workshop: hosted by International Student Services (ISS)4:30 PM, International Community Center (Suite 130), Pyle Center
Also offered online - January 23Welcome (Back) International Student Game Nighthosted by International Student Services (ISS)5:00 PM, College Library, Rm 1250: 1st Floor Lounge
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