The purpose of the Pediatrics Diversity Council at Baylor College of Medicine is to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Department of Pediatrics by recruiting and supporting residents, fellows, and faculty from diverse backgrounds, in order to foster a culture that promotes the practice of cultural competence and humility in healthcare. We do this by creating programming targeting community outreach, mentorship, recruitment, and education. All who wish to participate are welcome! We look forward to working with you and hearing your ideas!
Pride Council
The Pride Council is a sub-section of the Diversity Council dedicated to advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ trainees, faculty, and staff. Within the Diversity Council, the Pride Council has dedicated efforts in outreach, mentorship, recruitment, and education for the LGBTQ+ community and supports the intersectionality of LGBTQ+-identifying groups with other under-represented groups. The Council is open to all including those who wish to participate as allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
Membership
All Baylor pediatric residents, fellows, and faculty are invited and welcomed to join! To become a member and join the listserv complete the BCM Department of Pediatrics Diversity Council Membership Form. If you have questions email pedsdiversitycouncil@bcm.edu.
Committees
The Diversity Council has four committees that you may join at any point during your residency.
Recruitment
The Pediatrics Diversity Council has hosted an underrepresented in medicine (URiM) Second Look Program annually since 2013. This has resulted in an increased number of URiM applicants matching into our program. This allows for residents, fellows and faculty to have meet and greet opportunities with URiM applicants during interview season.
Mentorship
The Pediatrics Diversity Council hosts annual speed mentoring panels to provide trainees an opportunity to meet faculty from various specialties.
Outreach
This committee provides an opportunity for members to participate in community events in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine Pipeline programs, such as Saturday Morning Science, and Doctor’s Day Out.
Education
This committee develops programming to provide education to students, residents, fellows, and faculty regarding issues that affect our URiM colleagues and patients.
Testimonial
“In early 2013, I received an invitation to come give BCM/TCH a “second look” via the Pediatric Diversity Council’s inaugural event. The thought of leaving the comforts of the city I was in for the largest children’s hospital was intimidating. I was welcomed back to this institution with smiling faces who seemed connected and were ready to make the Department of Pediatrics more reflective of the patients it served. Fast forward to now, and I have continued to make Houston my home. These past years at BCM/TCH have not only well-equipped me to be a pediatric emergency physician but also have provided a community and lifelong friendships. Just as I was welcomed in 2013, I enjoy every year connecting with underrepresented minority applicants about why they belong and how they, too, can thrive here!”
Asha T.V. Morrow, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine
