Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI)
McGovern Medical School is committed to an institutional culture that fosters the recruitment, nurturing and retention of a diverse student body, trainees, staff and faculty that is reflective of the community we serve.
Let's Celebrate Our Diversity!

May
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month

May 2:  Yom HaShoah , Israel’s day of remembrance for the approximately 6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust
May 5:  Cinco de Mayo , commemorating the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France and celebrates Mexican culture and heritage
May 5-June 4:   Ramadan - fasting, prayer and devotion to Islam daily sunrise-sundown
May 27:  Memorial Day in the US, federal holiday established to honor military veterans

June
June is LQBTQ+ Pride Month , established to recognize the impact that these individuals have had on the world. Groups celebrate with pride parades, parties, and memorials.

June 15:   Native American Citizenship Day
June 19:   Juneteenth , also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day
June 23:   All Saints’ Day , celebrated in recognition of all known and unknown saints
Last Sunday in June:  LGBTQ+ Pride Day in the United States

July
July 4:  Independence Day , adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776
July 11:  World Population Day , observance established in 1989 by the Governing Council of the UN. The annual event is designed to raise awareness of global population issues
July 26:  Disability Independence Day , celebrating the anniversary of the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Upcoming Events
Pride Parade

June 22nd
Downtown Houston

Pride Houston has been a central part of the local LGBT community in Houston. Their core mission is to strengthen equality and increase awareness around issues important to our community such as health, safety and marriage equality. The annual Houston Pride Parade's theme this year is Summer of '69. For questions or participation information with McGovern contact Alyssa (Aly) Crain .
JAMP

May - June

McGovern is hosting our annual Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) students. JAMP is a special program created by the Texas Legislature to support and encourage highly qualified, economically disadvantaged students pursuing a medical education. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, email Luna Hernandez .

SHPEP

May - June

UTHealth is a host school for the Summer Health Professional Education Program (SHPEP) which is a free summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, email Luna Hernandez .

Recent Events
Annual Black History Month Program

Our Annual Black History Month Program was a huge success! Celebrated with our special guest speaker Robert Satcher, M.D., Ph.D. who is a MD Anderson physician in the Department of Orthopaedic Oncology, Division of Surgery as well as a former astronaut. He discussed the strides NASA has made in diversity and his personal triumphs and tribulations. Additionally, we were gifted with dance and musical specials as well as delicious southern cuisine.

Women in Leadership Lecture

Dean Stoll was the guest speaker for an American Medical Women Association lecture emphasizing the importance of women taking on larger leadership roles. She discussed her journey to becoming our Dean at McGovern!
Finding Your Passion in Medicine

Dr. Hala Sabry, Emergency Medicine Physician and Founder of Physician Moms Group (PMG), visited in honor of National Women's History Month. The PMG mission is to provide resources, a platform to network, and an opportunity to share information with like-minded individuals. The PMG network includes over 71,000 women physicians of all specialties from all over the nation! Dr. Hala Sabry shared her story, advice, and answered questions of faculty, residents and students who attended.
Health Careers Academy (HCA) Finale

We closed off another year with the Health Careers Academy (HCA) Finale. Yes Prep East End and Chavez high school students joined the ODI and McGovern medical students in a full day of activities. The students participated in a bioethics lesson provided by one of their HCA mentors, gross anatomy lab, and a competitive game of Jeopardy! 

UTHealth Diversity Boards
Strength lies in our diversity. Tell us what makes you unique.

In April, you probably saw a multi-colored board which is a UTHealth-wide ODI initiative to depict the diversity we represent! Students, faculty, residents, and staff were all invited to include what makes them unique.
Spotlights
Faculty


Dr. Cherian originates and completed his medical schooling in the beautiful state of Kerala in India. Deciding to study abroad brought him to New York and then finally to UTHealth where he primarily rounds in the Medical-Surgical ICU at LBJ and runs a very busy pulmonary clinic. He addresses challenges head on including a large uninsured patient population and limited facilities.
Resident


Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (LBJ) and Dr. Abelhad have a special connection being her and her brother's place of birth as well as the workplace of many of her role models in medicine. She discusses an appreciation with the friendliness and familiarity of UTHealth and the necessity of being relatable to patients.
Student


Growing up, John's grandmother had a serving heart which he always wanted to emulate. Drs. Goldberg and Toy are two role models he is appreciative for having in his life in demonstrating both knowledge and passion. The Office of Admissions and Student Affairs is his favorite thing about UTHealth explaining how they address each student's wholesome health.
For Your Convenience
Opportunities





Fore more opportunities, please visit our website or stop by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to look at our opportunities book .