Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our Commitment
The University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery recognizes the significance of a diverse workforce and strives toward healthcare justice for all of our patient populations. We understand that we produce our best research, workplace culture, educational opportunities, and patient outcomes when equity, inclusion, and diversity are at the forefront. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable orthopedic department, respecting and valuing the contributions of diverse faculty, trainees, staff, and patients to achieve excellence in all we do.
Our DE&I Committee
The Department of Orthopedic Surgery's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee was formed as part of our annual strategy to support a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive orthopedic team and improve patient care.
DE&I Initiatives
DE&I Committee Members
Committee Chair
- Aaron Corfield, DPM - Committee Chair
Committee Members
- Joan Bechtold, PhD
- Deb Bohn, MD
- Joel Boyd, MD
- Caitlin Chambers, MD
- Alicia Harrison, MD
- Mahad Hassan, MD
- Paul Hoogervorst, MD, PhD
- Helen Huetteman, MD
- Anna Landherr
- Jerome Murray, MD
- Ali Odenthal, MPH
- Arthur Only, MD
- Katelin Shaft
- Parisun Shoga, MD
- Erik Solberg, MA, MEd
- Marc Tompkins, MD
- Erin Tuset
- Lily Wood, MD
- Monique York
Committee Meetings
Our committee meets monthly. Please contact Aaron Corfield, DPM for more information.
Committee Initiatives
Learn more about what the DE&I Committee accomplished in our first year!
Visiting Medical Student Scholarship for Underrepresented Populations in Orthopedics
The University of Minnesota is committed to achieving excellence through equity and diversity. We value having diverse views and experiences that enrich our academics and our profession as a whole. The Department of Orthopedic Surgery, in conjunction with the Medical School, has the goal of creating an atmosphere where differences are valued, leading to a culturally competent healthcare workforce qualified to meet the needs of the varied populations we serve.
Our scholarship provides financial assistance to medical students graduating in 2025 who are planning a career in orthopedic surgery, and want to do a four-week away rotation at our site. Diverse students whose backgrounds and/or identities are underrepresented in orthopedics are encouraged to apply. The chosen applicants will be given a stipend of $1,500 to be used towards their lodging and/or travel expenses.
Application Requirements
- Must be an upcoming 3rd or 4th year medical student
- Attend a domestic LCME-accredited or COCA-accredited medical school
- Provide a current CV
- Upload an unofficial transcript
- Letter of recommendation from a professional reference who can speak to your goals and academic experience (one letter of recommendation only)
- Provide a personal statement addressing how you contribute to diversity in orthopedics
- Zoom interview; If selected as a top candidate
Selection will be based on a holistic approach. Students’ academic achievements, shown leadership, academic research, orthopedic interest, and good academic standings will all be considered when selecting candidates.
Deadline
Applications have now closed. If you have any questions regarding this scholarship please contact Medical Student Coordinator Erin Tuset at tuset@umn.edu.
DE&I Grand Rounds
The department incorporates DE&I topics into its yearly Grand Rounds schedule. Previous presentations can be viewed in our Grand Rounds Archives.
Implicit Bias in Search and Selection Process
The University of Minnesota is committed to increasing diversity among its staff, faculty, and students in admissions, promotions, scholarship decisions, and other selection processes. The presence of implicit bias in these processes can inhibit this goal. This workshop exposes participants to the breadth of implicit bias research and will help them recognize shortcuts resulting from unconscious or unexamined bias. Participants will learn promising practices and resources for addressing implicit bias in the context of search and selection processes.
For more information about this workshop, please contact Stef Jarvi at swilench@umn.edu or 612-624-0594.
Additional Articles & Resources
DEPARTMENT OF ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY ARTICLES
- U of M Orthopedist Works to Attract and Retain Diversity in Orthopedic Surgery and on the Ice
- University of Minnesota Leaders Pave the Path for Women in Orthopedics
- U of M Orthopedic Work Abroad: Making Patients Better One Country at a Time
- Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Women and Minorities in Orthopaedics: AOA Critical Issues Symposium
University of Minnesota Medical School Department of Orthopedic Surgery DE&I Podcast
The University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery presents a podcast on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, as it relates to our field, patients, and healthcare overall. Listen to all of our episodes here, or enjoy our latest episode below:
Mindful Moments
Each month, the department focuses on a topic that reinforces an inclusive mindset. Resources such as published articles, short videos, and talking points are provided to all department members in a variety of ways. The intention is to spark a conversation, plant a seed, and weave DE&I topics into our department culture and daily lives.
February 2024: Sickle Cell Disease
While many orthopedic surgeons may have not personally treated a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD), many of us have encountered radiographs or MRIs depicting conditions like osteonecrosis or osteomyelitis related to SCD. Whether through medical school education or other means, we generally possess an understanding of the profound, multi-organ effects of SCD on patients and the great burden it places on individuals and their loved ones.
Medical School Dean's Lecture Series: DE&I in the Departments
The Department of Orthopedic Surgery was honored to participate in the Medical School Dean's Lecture Series: DE&I in the Departments. Aaron Corfield, DPM and Jonathan Braman, MD, MHA, discussed the department's DE&I initiatives and how to advocate and implement real change within the department and the field of orthopedics.
Watch Recording