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.
Social Impact, Belonging and Well-Being Committee
The Social Impact, Belonging and Well-Being 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 Social Impact and Belonging, Elise Lawson, MD, MSHS, and the Vice-Chair of Well-Being, Jacqueline Israel, MD.
Sample Initiatives:
- Cultural Complications Curriculum
- DOS Book Club
- Implicit Bias Training for Interviewers
- Peer Support
- Open Feedback Channels
Institutional Resources
DOS Social Impact and Belonging News
Grand Rounds Recap: Inclusive Excellence in Academic Surgery
On Sept. 17, 2025, Dr. Paris Butler, associate professor of surgery and Vice Chair of Education and Inclusive Excellence at Yale School of Medicine, gave a presentation titled, “Reclaiming the Narrative with Data: Mentorship as …
October 14, 2025Welcome Leah Gudex, URiM Participant!
The Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Visiting Student Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Department of Surgery, supports qualified 4th year medical students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine in developing their clinical skills, abilities, and potential through …
August 4, 2025Michaela Van Hierden Presents at Project Management Institute Monthly Meeting
On May 28, Michaela Van Hierden, project manager in the Department of Surgery, presented at the Project Management Institute Madison/South Central Wisconsin monthly chapter meeting. The title of her presentation was “Healthcare Project Management: Navigating …
May 30, 2025DOS Faculty and Residents attend SNMA AMEC 2025
The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Annual Medical Education Conference (AMEC) took place in St. Louis from April 16-25, 2025. This year’s theme was “Higher: Surpassing, Optimizing, Advancing and Reimagining our Purpose.” This theme invited …
May 6, 2025DOS Faculty and Residents Take Part in Health Disparities Conference
The AHANA-MAPS Pre-Health Society, a UW–Madison student organization for African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American students, hosted its 13th annual Healthcare Disparities Conference on April 12, 2025. The theme of this conference was “Health Equity …
April 29, 2025- More Social Impact and Belonging posts
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).
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.
Elise Lawson, MD
Vice Chair for Social Impact and Belonging, Department of Surgery
Jacqueline Israel, MD
Vice Chair of Well-Being, 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
- November
- November 4PEACE (Practicing English and Cultural Exchange)hosted by International Student Services (ISS)4:30 PM, International Community Center (Suite 130), Pyle Center
- November 5
- November 5
- November 5
- November 6