In July 2019, Drs. Holly Pilson and Artina Dawkins were appointed as Co-directors of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health by Dr. L. Andrew Koman, Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery. This appointment recognizes the commitment of the department of Orthopaedic Surgery to continue meaningful and lasting efforts towards creating a more diverse and inclusive environment at Wake Forest Baptist. Both Dr. Pilson and Dr. Dawkins have a passion for workforce diversity in orthopaedic surgery, as well as in mentorship and fostering innovative collaborations with internal and external organizations and programs that share a similar mission.
The Mission of the Diversity and Inclusion initiatives of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is to:
- Promote and foster an environment and culture that is welcoming and conducive to collaborative learning, teaching, and working alongside people from all backgrounds and experiences.
- Maintain a culture of diversity and inclusivity which provides the most informed, respectful, and comprehensive care for all patients.
The Vision of the Diversity and Inclusion initiatives of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is to:
- Comprehensively embrace the unique abilities, perspectives, and backgrounds of those we train, those we work alongside of and those we touch through patient care and community outreach and engagement.
- Promote the recruitment, nurturing and retention of diverse and outstanding trainees, faculty and staff to support our mission and values.
Diversity
Demonstrate respect and inclusion of all backgrounds, identifies, experiences and perspectives
Service
Cultivate selfless contribution for the greater good.
Compassion
Responsive to the physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual needs of all
Integrity
Demonstrate fairness, honesty, sincerity and accountability
Collegiality
Foster mutual respect, facilitate professional growth & mentorship and reward teamwork and collaboration.
Safety
Embrace a culture of reliability through patient and employee centered process design and accountability.
Program Support
Co-Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Program Manager, Orthopaedic Surgery
Vice Chair - Social Impact
Associate Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery
Highlighted Projects and Outreach Programs
The department of Orthopaedic Surgery is honored to partner with internal and external organizations to collaborate on the following programs and outreach events:
Nth dimensions Summer Internship Program
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Wake Forest Baptist Health is a proud partner with Nth Dimensions, an educational non-profit founded by surgeons to address the dearth of women and underrepresented minorities in medicine. The overarching goal of Nth Dimensions is to address and eliminate healthcare disparities across all communities. Learn more Nth Dimensions Summer Internship Program.
Kennedy Hopkins Scholars Mentor Program
The Kennedy Hopkins Scholars Mentor program, founded in March 2018, was created to provide an additional layer of professional and personal support for underrepresented minority residents and fellows training at Wake Forest Baptist. Through the mentor program, URM residents and fellows are able to self-select a faculty mentor, attend a focused seminar series featuring internal and external speakers, build community among peers, as well as engage with the local community.
Diversity Weekend
Creating a climate of inclusion and embracing the diversity of our residents are priorities for Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. We were excited to participate in the first annual hospital-wide Diversity Weekend on February 8, 2020. We welcomed residency candidates from underrepresented groups back to our campus to engage with our Institutional and departmental leadership, residents, and community while also offering a deeper dive into the Winston-Salem community. Find out more about diversity and inclusion initiatives at Wake Forest Baptist.