UMSOM’s 17th Annual Diversity Dinner & Celebration Event Supports DEI Initiatives and Scholarships

The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) held its 17th Annual Diversity Dinner and Celebration: Shaping Inclusive Excellence in Medicine event on February 24, 2024, at the M&T Bank Exchange. The annual event, planned by the Office of Development, honors the School’s diversity efforts by recognizing those who have helped increase diversity in the field of medicine, while raising funds in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, along with programming and scholarships.

In his address to the audience, Mark T. Gladwin, MD, the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean, University of Maryland School of Medicine, announced the School’s establishment of a new diversity fund and the newly-formed Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI).

“I'm excited to share the establishment of the University of Maryland Medicine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund,” said Dean Gladwin, who is also Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore. “From scholarships for underrepresented students, to funding for diversity training programs, and support for community outreach initiatives, this fund will serve as a cornerstone in fostering inclusivity ­­­– every dollar contributed to this fund will go towards our office of EDI and its value driven mission.”

Serving as co-hosts, Wonder P. Drake, MD, Professor of Medicine, Director of the Sarcoidosis Program, and Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs at UMSOM, along with Sandra M. Quezada, MD, MS, Professor of Medicine, Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions, and Associate Dean for Faculty Diversity & Inclusion at UMSOM, offered remarks on the significance of this year’s event.

“As we gather tonight, we celebrate significant milestones and observances… and most importantly, we celebrate diversity embracing the richness it brings to our community and the field of medicine,” said Dr. Drake.

“To all of our accepted and current students, you are the reason we are here tonight,” said Dr. Quezada. “You are the future of medicine, and you give us hope.”

Key speakers for the event included Laura Herrera Scott, MD, MPH, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health, along with Mark Anthony Thomas, President & CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee, who delivered an impactful keynote message in support of diversity and inclusion initiatives in the City of Baltimore.  

“I join the generation of change agents to hold both of my hands, to receive the baton, and to drive forth their inclusive vision,” said Mr. Thomas. He continued, “There is no better place, in this world and at this time, than this great city.”

Milagritos D. Tapia, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at UMSOM, was honored with the Dean’s Faculty Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Tapia actively engages with UMSOM students and serves on committees promoting inclusion and equity within the institution. Additionally, she has spearheaded outreach and recruitment efforts among underrepresented minority populations, particularly the Latinx community, ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Laundette P. Jones, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor of Epidemiology & Public Health and Interim Co-Director for the Program in Health Equity and Population Health (HEPH), was honored with the Dean’s Alumni Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Jones is a leading figure in fostering community-academic partnerships and developing effective research protocols for addressing health disparities. In her role as interim Co-Director, she drives innovative research initiatives, such as the cancer education program partnering with Black churches, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive and impactful research.

Fourth-year medical student Kaéla Kuitchoua was recognized as the current Dean Emeritus Donald E. Wilson Endowed Scholarship recipient. As a medical student, Kaéla is actively engaged in several impactful initiatives supporting the medical school as well as local and regional communities. She has volunteered with Thread, an organization committed to supporting Baltimore's youth facing academic and social challenges. She has also contributed as a member of the UMSOM’s Second Look Day Committee and has served on committees for UMSOM’s chapter of White Coats for Black Lives.

To contribute, please visit the University of Maryland Medicine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund.

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