We write to you with outrage and sorrow over recent horrific events against Black people in our nation. And we write with resolve. We realize that even in our own setting at UW Medicine, our Black colleagues experience racist behaviors that must be confronted and eliminated.
While racism plays out in many ways, including microaggressions, healthcare disparities and burden of disease, change starts within. Collectively and individually, we must consider how best to create the healthy, equitable and inclusive community that supports our mission to improve health for all people. We can and will work on behalf of change.
As the UW Health Science deans asked in their message this weekend, we too ask that as members of UW Medicine you stand in solidarity with us as we strive to support our Black faculty, staff and students. We ask you to challenge your own bias:
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- Call out racism where you see it.
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- Challenge yourself and others to create a community of acceptance and encourage support of one another.
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- Continue to work with your co-workers to grow awareness of and challenge microaggressions.
In this unsettled time, we have the responsibility to demonstrate our core values of equity, diversity and inclusion in action. Last week, we announced the formation of the UW Medicine Office of Healthcare Equity, led by Paula Houston, to lead these efforts. On June 3, there will be a special virtual community meeting to further discuss what it means to be part of an institution that embodies anti-racism as a core value. Please watch for an invitation to this meeting coming soon.
We realize that our team members have been through so much this year, and we want to ensure that you have the support needed. Please remember that all staff and providers have access to UW CareLink, which provides free counseling.
UW Medicine has always looked to the future with confidence and optimism in our role to improve individual and public health. We can create an inclusive community for our patients, families, staff and providers. The time is now, and we thank you for your action and support.
Sincerely,
Paul G. Ramsey, M.D.
CEO, UW Medicine
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and
Dean of the School of Medicine, University of Washington
Lisa Brandenburg
President, UW Medicine Hospitals & Clinics
Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Washington
Jacqueline Cabe
Chief Financial Officer, UW Medicine
Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Washington
Timothy H. Dellit, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer, UW Medicine
Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Washington
President, University of Washington Physicians
Ruth Mahan, J.D.
Chief Business Officer, UW Medicine
Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Washington
Don Theophilus, J.D.
Chief Advancement Officer, UW Medicine
Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Washington
