Department Announces Updates to Diversity and Inclusion Programs

The Department of Radiology’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion recently announced updates to its program. Launched in 2016 under the direction of Stephanie Spottswood, MD, MSPH, Professor Emerita of Radiology, the program aims to foster a department that embraces diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives as a stimulus for innovation and problem solving, and for achieving excellence in education, research and scholarship.   

“Dr. Spottswood recognized the need to establish a diversity program within Radiology, and worked effortlessly to create a program that would support our faculty and trainees, while aligning with the Medical Center’s efforts to ‘Make Diversity and Inclusion Intentional,’” said Reed Omary, M.D., M.S., Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor and Chair, Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences. “In an academic medical center, diversity of faculty and trainees is important because it enriches learning and allows us to better serve a growing and diverse patient population.” 

Marques Bradshaw, M.D., MSCR, Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology, will assume the role of Associate Vice Chair, Diversity Affairs. Andrea Birch, M.D., Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology, will assume the role of the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion with support from Assistant Professor of Radiology Lucy Spalluto, M.D., MPH, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiology Yu Luo, M.D., Ph.D. Luo and Spalluto will both serve as Associate Directors, Office of Diversity and Inclusion. 

“Diversity is not a goal, destination, talking point, job, or title, and it does not happen spontaneously,” said Bradshaw. “Diversity is a process, a movement, a way of life, and it must be intentional. When diversity is imprinted on the fabric of everything we do, it enriches us all and most importantly it impacts our patients and our learners lives.”

Since its inception, the program has established a number of faculty enrichment programs that support its mission and the Medical Center’s “Make Diversity and Inclusion Intentional” Strategic Direction, including the formation of a Women in Radiology group and Diversity Grand Rounds Lectureship. 

In addition to her role in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Spalluto serves as Director of Women in Radiology, with support from Women in Radiology Associate Directors Drs. Elizabeth Snyder and Courtney Tomblinson.

“Diversity is a journey that I'm excited to be a part of, and I welcome all those that are interested to join in our collective efforts regardless of race, ethnicity, or prior experience,” added Bradshaw.

The Department of Radiology Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Front row (left to right): Drs. Lucy Spalluto, Andrea Birch, Courtney Tomblinson and Elizabeth Snyder. Back row (left to right): Drs. Marques Bradshaw and Yu Luo.