Internal Medicine DEI members pose for a photo
DEI & Well-Being in Internal Medicine

The University of Michigan Medical School Department of Internal Medicine Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being team works in alignment with the Michigan Medicine Office for Health Equity and Inclusion and the University of Michigan Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Plan.

Our team is committed to bringing forth meaningful improvements in diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being to support the health care workforce, addressing elements of structural racism and sexism that impact health outcomes, and positively impacting future generations. View our IMPOWER Strategic Plan to learn more.

Vision, Mission & Core Values

Vision
The Department of Internal Medicine will be a diverse and inclusive community that provides each person with the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

Mission
To cultivate an environment that empowers our faculty, learners, and staff to fulfill their purpose and potential.

Core Values

  • Caring & Well-Being
  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
  • Collaboration & Respect
  • Learning & Innovation
  • Transparency & Accountability
IMPOWER Council

Inclusive engagement and representation of faculty and staff from across the Department of Internal Medicine is paramount to achieve our mission. The IMPOWER (Inspiring Medicine to Promote Opportunities for Well-Being, Equity, and Diversity) Council was created to facilitate multidirectional communication and support initiatives to drive culture change around IMPOWER’s five strategic priorities:

  • Leadership Engagement, Development & Accountability
  • Develop People
  • Improve Environment
  • Build Partnerships
  • Track and Communicate Results

The formation of the IMPOWER Council comes at time when our institution is facing great challenges in terms of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellness. It is an incredible privilege to be among my colleagues who are devoted to addressing these difficult, yet immensely important areas that deeply affect our faculty and staff.

- Megan Riehl, PsyD

Nationally Recognized IMPOWER Poster

Our poster was awarded a “Best in Class” designation in the Changing Academy category at the 2023 AAMC Group on Diversity and Inclusion & Group on Faculty Affairs Joint Professional Development Conference.

Hear from our Vice Chair

As vice chair, I am committed to promoting awareness and engaging our faculty and staff around diversity, equity, and well-being issues - both within our walls and beyond."

Vice Chair, DEI and Well-Being, Department of Internal Medicine
Michael Luella

IMPOWER council empowers us to be powerful agents of positive change in the DEI and wellbeing arena within our respective divisions in the Internal Medicine department. IMPOWER boldly tackles difficult issues that challenge wellness and DEI while systematically providing practical strategies to create a better tomorrow. IMPOWER nurtures strong commitment for a change backed up with ACTION. I am truly thrilled to be part of this trail blazer movement."

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Veronica Nwagwu photo
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