The Department of Internal Medicine is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion. We believe that diversity and inclusion are integral to achieving academic excellence and high-quality health outcomes. We also believe that having colleagues from different backgrounds and beliefs enhances the educational experience of our entire learning community. Additionally, the hospital system has begun delivering programs in Implicit Bias training and Bystander training to staff, faculty, and residents to foster a climate of mutual respect and value for all.
The Internal Medicine Department has convened a Diversity Task Force to evaluate these issue and develop a strategic plan for the department. The residency program leadership has joined forces with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Graduate Medical Education Office to support residents and fellows through their personal and professional development. In february 2020 we hosted Dr. Quinn Capers as our visiting professor, and his focus was on implicit bias training for faculty and the importance of diversity in the physician workforce. In February 2020 the Internal Medicine Residency program also co-hosted and participated in the GME-wide Diversity Weekend in conjunction with anesthesiology, emergency medicine, orthopaedic surgery, and general surgery with the purpose of increasing diversity in our program. As a result, we matched on of our most diverse classes of talented residents. In February 2021, we plan to co-host and participate in a virtual GME-wide Diversity Program with other residency programs in the institution.
The Kennedy Hopkins Scholars program and the URM Housestaff Association offer mentoring, social support and professional development for underrepresented minority residents. We have also partnered with our colleagues at Duke University School of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine, and Morehouse School of Medicine to form a regional collaborative to network and provide support to underrepresented minority residents and fellows. In August 2020, we collaborated on a virtual noon report with Duke and UNC focusing on COVID-19 and Health Disparities in North Carolina.
Wake Forest cares deeply about all residents, fellows, faculty and staff and supports many initiatives to reach those looking for mentorship. The Women in Medicine and Science office offers mentorship and leadership programs to support women faculty across the trajectory of their careers. Women of Wake is a new interest group developed with the Internal Medicine residency program to empower women residents through supportive relationships with women faculty, as well as through educational offerings. The Medical Center has also been recognized as a Leader in LGBTQ+ Health Care Equality and offers Safe Zone in Medicine training, which is an LGBTQ sensitivity training. An affinity group to support LGBTQ+ individuals and allies is in the development phase.