In this episode of the AGA podcast, Small Talk, Big Topics, hosts Drs. Matthew Whitson and CS Tse are joined by Drs. Sandra Quezada and Carlos Diaz. Sandra is the associate dean for medical school admissions & assistant dean for academic and multicultural affairs at the University of Maryland. Carlos is a gastroenterology fellow at the University of Miami Hospital. They’re both leaders in the AGA Equity Project. Today they’re here to discuss their experience and insights related to equity and diversity and provide actionable tips to help you become a better doctor.
Sandra begins by sharing her definition of diversity, equity and inclusion. When looking at diversity, she takes into account heritage, race, ability, ethnicity, religion, gender and many other facets of a person’s being. Inclusion is having that diversity at every level of your organization. This is not just being asked to the party, Sandra says, it’s also being asked to dance, and invited to plan the event. Equity is defined by Sandra by its distinction from equality. Equality is seeking to give everyone the same opportunities; equity is targeting your support and access to identify and dismantle the barriers that have thwarted equality.