Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Rush University Children’s Hospital provides high-quality healthcare for patients with a broad range of disease entities and a variety of racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds that reflect Chicago’s diverse population. We strive to create a learning environment where everyone has the opportunity to use their distinct skills and talents to make a difference in our community and beyond. With these goals in mind, The Department of Pediatrics, has implemented a unique Diversity, Equity and Inclusion curriculum with the aim of assisting staff, faculty and trainees to embrace difference, treat each other with respect, address health inequities, and deliver outstanding clinical care.

Rush’s I CARE values: Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

21-22 Intern Class

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Curriculum

The Pediatric DEI curriculum aims to foster an environment of equality and inclusion for employees, trainees, patients, families and our surrounding communities. Climate surveys are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum program.

Department-wide DEI retreats focused on:

2020 - Anti-racism education for faculty, residents, and staff. Dr. Rhea Boyd was the guest speaker.

2021 - Facilitated by Crossroads Antiracism Organization which included a workshop on systemic racism. 

2022 - Restorative Justice facilated by Dr. Jay Behel.

2023 - TBD

A sample of grand rounds, retreats, and noon conferences: 

  • Structural Competency Working Group workshop
  • Health inequities and social determinants of health
  • Wellness Task Force: “Life-Work Integration”
  • Disability-Related Discrimination
  • Achieving Health Equity for LGBTQ People
  • Harassment Training
  • Gender-Based Discrimination
  • Microaggression Workshops
  • Rush PedsTalks: Panel discussion on URiM student/resident/faculty and staff experiences
Community Service & Advocacy

Community service is an integral part of the culture of Rush. It is who Rush is and what Rush does. Through the Rush Community Service Initiatives Program (RCSIP), REACH and the Pediatric weekly newsletter there are opportunities for Rush University residents, students, faculty, fellows, and staff to engage with our community.

Click here Global Health Track ** Advocacy Track for more community engagement opportunities

Building Blocks - DC trip - 2023

Building Blocks spring break trip to Washington, D.C., April 2023

Building Blocks: Rush Scholars Program is a pipeline & mentorship program for underrepresented in medicine high school students from schools in the catchment area that Rush University Medical Center serves. The mission of Building Blocks: Rush Scholars Program is to provide an integrative curriculum of clinical immersion, personalized mentorship and community service to prepare underrepresented minorities for matriculation into graduate education and medicine.

Questions?
Please feel free to email: buildingblocksrumc@gmail.com