Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the second edition of "Diversity Now," a quarterly newsletter from AAIM about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and actvities. I am pleased that our organization has embraced efforts to advance DEI initiatives within AAIM, and support members as they work to do the same across all areas of academic internal medicine.
In this issue, you will learn more about AAIM’s FY2021 DEI initiatives, education sessions planned for AAIM Online 2021, and member-to-member networking and listening sessions supported by our constituent councils.
As we celebrate African American History Month, I hope you will take the opportunity to learn more about the many contributions people of color have made and continue to make to medicine and health care, and to read AAIM’s statement on African American History Month.
Allow me to share the accomplishments of a few African Americans who led the way (read more about them):
- James McCune Smith, MD. First Black man to practice with a medical degree in the United States.
- Mary Mahoney, RN. First Black woman awarded a nursing degree.
- Herbert W. Nickens, MD. First director of the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.
- Barbara Ross-Lee, DO. First Black woman to be appointed dean of an American medical school.
So, I invite you to explore www.im.org more about how AAIM seeks to advance DEI. I also encourage you to learn more about how you can contribute to DEI efforts where you live and work!
Sincerely,
Bergitta E. Cotroneo, FACMPE
AAIM Deputy Chief Executive Officer & EVP