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Rubens Pamies, M.D. |
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Sonya Smith, Ed.D., J.D. |
The chancellor’s vision for UNMC continues to take shape with the hiring of several diversity specialists.
They represent a commitment by Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., to weave cultural competency into the medical center’s fabric and improve recruitment and retention of underrepresented faculty, staff and students, all part of UNMC’s strategic plan.
Rubens Pamies, M.D., UNMC vice chancellor for academic affairs, is leading the effort to ensure the chancellor’s vision becomes a reality.
“Nebraska’s population is changing along with the entire United States,” Dr. Pamies said. “Making sure our university community is reflective of our larger community is important. We have to respond to emerging challenges, think globally and embrace the richness of our diverse population. We also need to make sure we understand the issues of health that are related to culture. It’s the smart thing to do and the right thing to do.”
Diversity specialists, hired for each of UNMC’s major colleges and departments, will be a resource to their unit and the community.
A more diverse medical staff may encourage people who are part of underrepresented minority groups to participate in research, Dr. Pamies said.
“Having a diverse workforce will unlock those mysteries and find answers to why some illnesses affect people from other backgrounds and cultures differently,” he said.
It is why UNMC took the lead in creating a Center for Reducing Health Disparities.
But changing health outcomes also includes a diverse student body.
“Culturally and ethically, we all have an obligation to prepare our students to serve the rich mosaics within our communities,” said Sonya Smith, Ed.D., J.D., associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief student affairs officer. “With changes in technology and travel, our communities and neighborhoods now extend beyond our street corners and state border. UNMC has the expertise and the research capabilities to improve not only the health of Nebraskans but people suffering throughout the world.”
UNMC’s variety of outreach and community engagement programs as well as the Virginia-Nebraska Alliance and Summer Medical and Dental Education Program aim to recruit and retain underrepresented, socio-economically disadvantaged, special populations and rural students, Dr. Smith said.
Diversity specialists will aid that effort by formulating departmental strategies for the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students and faculty. They also will form relationships with area schools to encourage more students to consider health careers.
Dr. Pamies said UNMC’s commitment to diversity and creating a culturally competent workplace can serve as an example for others in the state and the rest of the nation who are trying to develop similar programs.
“Universities must take the lead in this because they are the center of a community and where the community looks for answers” he said. “It’s about being inclusive and preparing our students to work in a global environment.”