Our Commitment to Diversity
The Department of Psychiatry embraces diversity and inclusion as vital pillars in our training programs, recognizing their pivotal role in addressing healthcare inequities and disparities. As a Harvard-affiliated academic Department of Psychiatry within a safety net healthcare organization, our commitment to fostering a diverse clinician workforce is driven by the understanding that it enhances our ability to meet the unique needs of marginalized patients and all patients alike.
We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are powerful tools in the pursuit of eliminating healthcare inequities and disparities. By nurturing a diverse learning environment, we equip our trainees with the skills and perspectives needed to provide compassionate, patient-centered care that addresses the specific challenges faced by underserved and minoritized communities.
We sincerely want any who were affected by affirmative action to know that we are glad you are here and you belong here. The recent SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action in college admissions may prevent many from applying or feeling they belong.
We celebrate the contributions of all our trainees and recognize the importance of creating opportunities for talented individuals from all backgrounds. Affirmative action has played a critical role in fostering diversity, and we affirm that everyone deserves an equal chance to thrive in our programs. Research has consistently shown that healthcare provided by racially diverse care teams or by clinicians trained in diverse environments leads to improved outcomes, particularly for patients from minoritized backgrounds. We are dedicated to cultivating a racially diverse care team and providing training experiences that enrich our trainees' understanding of cultural nuances and diverse perspectives.
We actively implement our values of diversity, inclusion and justice in all our recruitment and retention activities for both trainees and faculty. We seek to create a supportive and affirming environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to our academic and clinical missions.
By fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, we strengthen our capacity to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care.
We recognize that health disparities cannot be adequately addressed without acknowledging and confronting the systemic inequities that exist within our society and healthcare system. Our dedication to diversity and inclusion is rooted in a deep commitment to social justice, and we actively strive to be agents of positive change in the field of psychiatry and mental health care.
Learn More: Visit our CHA Diversity in Academics page