BWH Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

“Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging are not merely talking points in our department; they are woven into its principles and are crucial to its future success.” —Cody Sain, Class of ’26

DEIB:

About the DEIB Council

The BWH Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine’s DEIB Council is a group of approximately 50 trainees, faculty, anesthesia techs, and administrative staff committed to creating and promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive space for all. We are thrilled to work on projects and events that touch our own department and institution, as well as our local communities.

Our Mission

To create a diverse and vibrant department where all members thrive and reach their utmost potential to benefit the community we serve.

Our Vision

To create a safe, respectful, and supportive home for all members of our department to advance the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) with a primary focus on enhancing the experience of Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM)* and other historically marginalized community members.

*The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)  defines underrepresented in medicine (URiM or UIM) specifically as racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population and include people who identify as the following: Black or African American, Latinx, Native American, Alaskan Natives, Hawaiian Natives, or Pacific Islander. There are “unique” populations within medicine that also deserve space and recognition within the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), including members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Core Values

  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)
  • Recruitment and retention
  • Internal community building, affinity groups
  • External community building, social justice, community service
  • Healthy equity

Strategic Initiatives

Through intentional and strategic initiatives, partnerships, innovation, and education, the DEIB Council focuses on mechanisms to support and empower the Department of Anesthesiology to:

  • Recruit, retain, and promote diverse residents, faculty, and staff.
  • Create a sense of belonging and community amongst and across affinity groups.
  • Advocate for social justice through local community service and advancing care for our underserved populations.
  • Utilize innovative methodologies to describe and advance DEIB education and research in academic anesthesiology to impact the clinical training climate and equip our trainees and faculty with the tools needed to achieve health equity.
"As a non-US international medical graduate (from Colombia), I wanted to be in an inclusive program that would support my aspirations as a physician-scientist."
Andres Zorrilla Vaca, resident
Andres Zorrilla-Vaca, Resident
Class of '25
DEIB: