The GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) is among the oldest schools of medicine in the United States, established in 1824, and the first in the nation’s capital. In 1884, SMHS enrolled its first female student, distinguishing itself for decades as one of the only medical schools in the nation to admit women. This groundbreaking work paved the way for the acceptance of students from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and those with a variety of previous life experiences.
The SMHS Office of Diversity and Inclusion was then created in 2013, as evidence of our continuing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The result has been an enormous opportunity for growth in our mission to teach with creativity and dedication, heal with quality and compassion, and discover with imagination and innovation. In 2020, SMHS appointed its first female dean, Dr. Barbara Bass, and under her leadership established the ARC for Justice, an initiative aimed at fostering a culture of respect, access, and opportunity for all. As we move forward and build on SMHS’s longstanding commitment to belonging and representation, we are dedicated to doing so with strategic intention.
As a leader in embracing diversity, the staff of the SMHS Office of Diversity and Inclusion works from the paradigm that academic excellence and diversity are inextricably linked. We believe that diversity benefits all members of the academic enterprise. As such, the efforts and initiatives of the SMHS Office of Diversity and Inclusion are focused on promoting a positive institutional culture and climate and creating a community of excellence where all are welcomed and valued.
Vision
The School of Medicine and Health Sciences Office of Diversity and Inclusion envisions a community distinguished by the depth of its diversity and the value placed on it.
Mission
The mission of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences Office of Diversity and Inclusion is to lead and support the efforts of each SMHS department to attract talented students, faculty, and staff inclusive of those who are traditionally underrepresented and to foster a culture and climate that appreciates the added value of diversity.
Goals
- Faculty Recruitment: In collaboration with the Office of Faculty Affairs, enhance faculty search procedures by implementing metrics to support inclusive and excellence-driven hiring practices that attract candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
- Student Recruitment and Pathways: Partner with the Office of Admissions to strengthen outreach and recruitment strategies that expand access to medical education and support the development of pathway programs for students from varied communities and backgrounds.
- External Engagement and Support: Coordinate with the Office of Media Relations and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to build external awareness and support for initiatives that broaden educational opportunities, including scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students.
- Community and Organizational Partnerships: Establish and maintain partnerships with local and national organizations to support collaborative learning and professional development programs that emphasize opportunity, respect, and academic excellence.