Our office encourages and develops health systems learning environment areas designed to increase opportunities in the health professions for students from groups designated by the institutional diversity statement (disadvantaged background or underrepresented in medicine).

Programming focuses on talent identification and development designed to prepare, attract and retain diverse students in the health professions. SID supports students and fosters an environment of personal development and engagement throughout the institution as well as the community.

Diversity Statement

Arium Health Wake Forest Baptist has adopted the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) definitions of diversity and inclusion.

Diversity

Diversity as a core value embodies inclusiveness, mutual respect and multiple perspectives and serves as a catalyst for change resulting in health equity. In this context, we are mindful of all aspects of human differences such as low socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability and age.

Inclusion

Inclusion is a core element for successfully achieving diversity. Inclusion is achieved by nurturing the climate and culture of the institution through professional development, education, policy, and practice. The objective is creating a climate that fosters belonging, respect, and value for all and encourages engagement and connection throughout the institution and community.

Our Beliefs

The following statements are specific to Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center:

  • We believe that diversity and inclusion are integral to achieving excellence and quality health outcomes for all.
  • We believe that achieving the mission of the Medical Center requires the creation and maintenance of a work and educational environment that embodies diversity and inclusion.
  • We believe in the unlimited value of a diverse workforce at all levels of our Medical Center.
  • We embrace the definition of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) for diversity, including the recognition that diversity is not limited to race and ethnicity, but must also take account of socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religious commitment, physical ability and all of the experiences that enrich our lives.
  • We believe that in order to eliminate the pervasive health disparities that exist in our region and country, we must recruit, retain and train a diverse cadre of faculty, staff and trainees.
  • We believe that our educational programs should enable health care professionals to provide culturally competent care and address health disparities.
  • We believe our Medical Center should actively engage with our local and regional communities to advance health equity.

Read the full Diversity Statement.

Diversity-Focused Student Groups

  • American Medical Women Association (AMWA)
  • Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA)
  • Christian Medical and Dental Associates
  • Cultural Awareness Council 
  • Delivering Equal Access to Care (DEAC) Clinic
  • Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)
  • Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
  • Medical Students For Choice
  • Mentoring the Pipeline
  • Muslim Student Association
  • My Brother's Healer Student Group
  • Safe Zone in Medicine
  • Sexual Health Awareness Group (SHAG)
  • Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
  • Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
  • Student Wellness Group
  • WF Jewish Medical Student Group

Creating Positive Role Models

Kwone Ingram knows firsthand how a positive role model can help shape someone’s life. That’s why the second-year Wake Forest School of Medicine student from nearby Walkertown, N.C. leads a mentoring program for young minority males at a local elementary school.