Ped Edu Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN THE PEDIATRIC EDUCATION ENTERPRISE

OUR STANCE ON AN INCLUSIVE CULTURE

We stand in support of our LGBTQIA+ community. We commit to actively combatting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. As a residency program, we know work is needed. We will take concrete actions to right injustice that affects patient care. In addition, we will strive to create an inclusive environment and promote the well-being of our LGBTQIA+ residents, fellows, faculty, and staff. To achieve this essential goal, we will work with the University of Utah School of Medicine Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

This will include the following:

Educate about LGBTQIA+ person-centered and gender-affirming care, including cultural humility within our curriculum
Ensure that every resident participates in our Gender Management & Support (GEMs) clinic during their Adolescent rotation
Foster inclusive, safe spaces for resident for residents:
- Hold regular discussions on well-being and clinical care needs at Antiracism Working Group meetings and Cultivating Compassionate Community noon conferences
- Provide University of Utah-approved All Inclusive Block U pins for staff, residents, fellow, and faculty
- Promote GME Wellness office initiatives that support the LGBTQIA+ community
Conduct scholarly work to identify and mitigate disparities in the Utah LGBTQIA+ community
Create community partnerships with LGBTQIA+ non-profit youth organizations in Salt Lake City and the state of Utah
Advocate for LGBTQIA+ affirming policies at local, state, and federal level

OUR STANCE ON RACISM IN MEDICINE

The University of Utah Pediatrics Program is committed to dismantling racism and discrimination in medical care, medical training, and society at large. We recognize that racism is not merely enacted by police, judges, legislators, or "bad apple" individuals; rather, it is systemic, perpetuated by structures and policies that hold up the walls of our hospitals and clinics. Collective silence, apathy, and ignorance bolster systems of oppression, and breaking that silence is the first step on the journey to ending white supremacy and achieving social and health justice. This path starts with personal reflection and necessitates effective advocacy at every level, every day. As physicians, acknowledging the existence of racism is not enough. To be effective advocates for justice, we must actively resist prejudiced, racist, and white supremacist thinking and actions within ourselves, our team members, our institutions, and our communities.

ROE V. WADE STATEMENT

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson on June 24, 2022, the University of Utah Pediatric Residency program affirms its continuing commitment to counsel adolescent patients according to national, evidence-based guidelines and inform patients about all health care options, including abortion care, while staying in compliance with Utah law.

We appreciate and support the medical societies and other experts, including the statements issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, regarding provision of reproductive healthcare for patients and their families. We will continue to leverage our expertise to support the advancement of public policy fully informed by relevant data.

To ensure provision of comprehensive care for our patients and communities, we commit to offering current and future resident training opportunities to learn about evidence-based reproductive health services within the pediatric population, including abortion care and contraception, and will educate trainees in matters concerning access to reproductive services within Utah and beyond.

We will honor the role of confidentiality and consent in performing these important services for our patients. We affirm our patients’ right to receive high-quality evidence-based healthcare services and are unwavering in our commitment to advocate for and provide the medical gold-standard of care.

“Furthermore, we recognize and support our trainees' right to make their own decisions regarding reproductive choices and healthcare, and will support them in these choices. More information regarding employee health benefits can be found here (INSERT LINK). Information on access to abortion and reproductive care in Utah can be found here.”