The Office of Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in The Warren Alpert Medical School: Aligning Goals, Programming, and Outcomes for Health Equity

R I Med J (2013). 2023 Oct 2;106(9):9-13.

Abstract

Although United States (US) medical institutions discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, there is little guidance about the process by which these concepts can be attained programmatically within institutions. The Office of Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OBEDI) at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University intends to rise to the challenge and share knowledge and experience with other institutions. Program design models, and the alignment of inputs, outputs, and outcomes for the short-term and long-term are illustrated. OBEDI's unique model of how each of these concepts contribute towards health equity, from the individual to the community, is also explained. Finally, OBEDI shares promising practices and future directions.

Keywords: belonging; diversity; health equity; inclusion.