Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement from SGIM’s President and CEO

Over the last year, SGIM has refocused our efforts to intentionally create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive professional home for our members. At a time when DEI discussions are at an all-time high, we are committed to not only having these conversations, but also to making the necessary changes to be better personally and professionally. Our goal is to make SGIM a fully inclusive society that embraces diversity and empowers all members to effectively contribute to SGIM’s mission, irrespective of the member’s age, sex/gender, race/ethnicity, religion, economic background, disability, country of origin, or institutional affiliation.
In July 2020, Council established a DEI Workgroup. Under the leadership of Dr. Eleanor “Bimla” Schwarz, the DEI Workgroup was charged with:

1. Identifying opportunities to refine SGIM’s internal programmatic processes and procedures;
2. Advising SGIM on external collaborations, alliances, and outreach that warrant additional investment; and
3. Presenting recommendations to the SGIM Council by the end of December 2020.

In collaboration with the Health Equity Commission (HEC) and the Women and Medicine Commission (WAMC), the DEI Workgroup outlined several recommendations focusing on data tracking & assessment, setting policies & communication to our members, and overall external relationships. With the support of our leadership and staff colleagues, SGIM has created an ambitious timeline to address each recommendation.

In addition, SGIM will continue to engage our volunteer groups to ensure that we are integrating DEI concepts into all organization-wide workplans. Read the DEI Workgroup’s full recommendations here. 

We wholeheartedly acknowledge that this is only step one. Diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to all that we do, and this work is not an “add on” activity. As SGIM leaders, we are dedicated to this work of creating a fundamentally diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all. Join us on this path as we work to improve our lifelong learning community.