Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) not only are moral imperatives, but business imperatives for our organization, and are values embraced by our people, whether they are entering the workplace or accessing our health system.

Annual Report

At the University of Tennessee Medical Center, we celebrate our similarities and differences. Read the 2021 Annual Report to learn how we’re putting our DEI program into action.

2021 DEI Annual Report

Our Commitment

At The University of Tennessee Medical Center, we are committed to the view that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) not only are moral imperatives, but business imperatives for our organization, and are values embraced by our people, whether they are entering the workplace or accessing our health system.

Access, representation and culture are our DEI pillars, and they are essential in fulfilling in our mission – to serve through healing, education and discovery.

Defining Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Diversity – We celebrate and revere the similarities and differences of our identities, backgrounds and experiences that shape our unique perspectives and preferences. Diversity includes but is not limited to categories such as race, ethnicity, national origin, color, cultural heritage, religion, age, sex, gender identity and expression, abilities/disabilities, sexual orientation; as well as family, military veteran, education and/or socioeconomic statuses; and personality, language and communication styles. It extends beyond our team members, as we acknowledge and respect the broad diversity of our patients and visitors. We strive to have a workforce that is representative and understanding of our patients, their families and the communities in which they live.
• Inclusion – We foster an environment that sees, values and respects individuals so that we may consciously construct a “together culture”that involves authentic and empowered participation, and a palpable feeling of belonging that extends to team members, patients, visitors, vendors and the community. Inclusion is at the heart of our Always Behaviors and ensures that we can truly be “Together safe. Together effective. Always for our patients.
• Equity – We endeavor to create and practice fair policies, procedures, practices, pathways, and processes so that we may live our medical center vision and values to ensure inclusive, equitable and accessible care.

Diversity Initiatives & Programs

• Workplace — These are internal-facing initiatives, projects and programs targeted for our medical center team members. Some of the programs recently established include inclusive leader education and in-service departmental education on diversity topics, employee resource/physician affinity groups, cultural awareness/heritage events & programs, and team member resources on inclusive language, diversity holiday calendar, tips for being inclusive every day and AAMC’s D&I Toolkit Resources.
• Workforce — These are external-facing initiatives and internal programs aimed at inspiring and training our next generation of qualified, diverse talent. We provide training on inclusive recruitment strategies and have strategic hiring targets for specific roles and positions. We are also proud partners with Project SEARCH, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee Valley and Project GRAD, among others. Our Graduate School of Medicine has diverse scholar opportunities and diversity initiatives for faculty, scientists, physicians, residents and fellows and undergraduate students.
• Health Equity — These are internal and external-facing initiatives to address community factors that exacerbate health disparities at the community level. Some of these initiatives will address health factors such as the physical environment and unhealthy behaviors, while others will focus on social and economic factors. Education around health equity, health disparities and social determinants of health (SDoH) will be central to this approach, as well as the participation in community collaborative efforts and community engagement pertaining health equity.

Hospital Councils

DEI Council

The DEI Council’s purpose is to coordinate, integrate and promote an inclusive environment, which is diverse and culturally competent to better serve our patients, families, team members and our community. The Council will provide leadership and encourage collaboration among all team members and affiliated partners to acknowledge, value, respect and embrace the strengths and differences represented throughout the medical center both on and off campus.

The medical center is committed to this purpose because inclusive and diverse teams are more innovative, perform better and are more profitable—all of which enables us to better serve our patients, families, team members and community. Council members are team members from across the hospital with a specific interest in diversity, equity & inclusion, and voluntarily serve in 1-3 year terms. The Council is staffed by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

DEI Council Members

2022 DEI Council (From Left to Right): Ashtyn Jabson Tree, Dr. Rocio Huet, Ashley Martin, Nick Biggs, John Jeffries, Amy Perkins, Joe Perez, Becki Fogerty, Dr. Jill Lloyd, Becki Morrison, Kelly Hackworth-Garrison, Desiree Jones, Joe Landsman, Lisa Duncan Not pictured: Brad Hood, Dr. Laurel Carbone, Clay Kyle, Carmen Soto, Stacey Whitt

Executive Sponsors: Joe Landsman, President and CEO, and Becki Fogerty, VP for DEI

Community Health Equity Council

The Community Health Equity (CHE) Council is an advisory body tasked with addressing internal and external health disparities and achieving health equity in our community. The council provides guidance regarding the collection, processing and analysis of hospital and community health data. The council also provides technical assistance for the design, implementation and evaluation of the medical center’s community-based initiatives.

The council bases its work on the fact that “health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible” (RWJF). The council promotes UTMC’s work in supporting our community in achieving the highest level of health possible. This work can only be achieved through strong partnerships with community stakeholders, coalitions, and collaborations with other like-minded community organizations committed to our region’s health equity.

2022 CHE Council Members

2022 CHE Council Back left to right: Janet Seiber, Justin Wolfe, Dr. Keith Gray (Executive Sponsor), Jessica Flanary. Front left to right: Liliana Burbano, Mae King, Paige Huggler. Not pictured: Liz Lowe, Dexter Mims, Dr. Janet Purkey, Kari Hancock

Executive Sponsor: Dr. Keith Gray

Awards & Recognition

Learn more about the medical center’s commitment to excellence and its achievements.