Diversity
Diversity is central to the mission of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in meeting the health needs of the people of Wisconsin and beyond through excellence in education, research, patient care and service.
Our Commitment
The School of Medicine and Public Health fosters a culture of inclusion and respect among our patients, employees, learners and the communities we serve. Through teaching, discovery and advocacy, we promote equity in access to quality health care.
Our mission, vision and values
Creating an Inclusive Community
We strive to graduate a student body that reflects the diversity found in communities both near and far from our own. We encourage students from a variety of backgrounds and identities to apply and aim to create an inclusive learning environment where all can thrive and reach their full potential. Our Office of Multicultural Affairs for Health Professions Learners supports students throughout their academic careers.
Our five health professions programs and our research enterprise reflect the diverse communities we serve. We are committed to building community among faculty, staff, administrators, residents and fellows, and we collaborate to ensure that our work, research and care environments are welcoming and supportive of everyone.
Office of Diversity and Equity Transformation
The Office of Diversity and Equity Transformation (DET) provides strategic leadership, direction and coordination of DEI practices within the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. The office also collaborates with UW Health on DEI-related efforts, and advocates for high-impact and effective DEI innovation across the missions of both institutions.
With a focus on intentional, systemic change, the Office of Diversity and Equity Transformation breaks down silos, connects across the system and advances DEI efforts in the basic science departments, institutes, centers and programs.
Community Engagement
Students, faculty and staff at the School of Medicine and Public Health are involved with many community engagement initiatives. Each of our health professions programs encourages students to participate in community service, and our faculty are working on a variety of research projects that directly benefit families and individuals from underserved communities across Wisconsin. From improving maternal and child health to lowering risks for chronic illness, from providing free medical care to funding community-based projects, our exchange of knowledge is part of the Wisconsin Idea, sharing the benefits of education and research to improve lives far beyond the boundaries of the university.
Programs and Initiatives
We are advancing health and health equity through remarkable service to patients and communities, outstanding education, and innovative research.
- Center for Community Engagement and Health Partnerships
Based in Milwaukee, Center for Community Engagement and Health Partnerships (CCEAHP) connects underrepresented communities and investigators with an interest in working with underserved populations together in innovative ways. - Center for Health Disparities Research
Investigators with the Center for Health Disparities Research (CHDR) focus on how physical environment and social conditions intersect to influence an individual’s health. - Collaborative Center for Health Equity
The Collaborative Center for Health Equity (CCHE) connects partners from the state’s rural, urban, and tribal communities with university faculty, staff, and students to advance health equity. - MEDiC
MEDiC provides basic health care to underserved communities in Madison, while enhancing the education of UW health professions students. - Prevention Research Center
The Prevention Research Center’s mission is to improve the health of low-income women, infants and families in Wisconsin. - Wisconsin Partnership Program
The Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) awards grants to community, education and research partners who are advancing health equity, training the next generation of health professionals and discovering innovative treatments.