Associate Dean for Inclusion and Equity
Diversity and inclusion are critical for true innovation and high performance in the medical field, since it breaks barriers that hinder communication and progress.
We recognize diversity and inclusion as important drivers to achieving our vision to be the region’s most valued health care asset. Inclusion and equity are essential to improving access to quality care, reducing health disparities and improving the health of communities in our area.
In January of 2019, Madeline Joseph, MD, was named associate dean for inclusion and equity. In this role, she works with clinical department leadership and deans to integrate equity and inclusivity into research, academic programs, clinical practice and community health. Dr. Joseph collaborates with the UF chief diversity officer and other equity and inclusion leaders across the university. She works closely with UF Health Diversity Council leadership in Jacksonville to bridge opportunities between the hospital and the colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy.
Inclusion, diversity and equity do not occur along with excellence, but it is integral to the excellence and success of the University of Florida Health Science Center – Jacksonville (UFHSC-Jacksonville)’s mission.
Diversity is not only used to describe groups/social differences such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, religion, country of origin, abilities/disabilities but it also extends to individual differences such as life experiences, educational backgrounds, learning, working styles, and personality types. Embracing the expanding definition of diversity will include efforts to understand the barriers, explore opportunities, and develop actionable plans for promoting under-represented faculty, residents, students, allied health care professionals and staff success at UFHSC-Jacksonville.
A culture of Inclusive Excellence at the UFHSC-Jacksonville, which is the intentional driver of diversity and inclusion, will channel the differences, unique talents and qualities to reach our mission. Inclusive Excellence will combat barriers and brings everyone at UFHSC-Jacksonville to achieve our goals. Through Inclusive Excellence, the University of Florida Health Science Center – Jacksonville and UF Health Jacksonville are committed to diversity and inclusion as core values central to its mission.