Office for Education Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

Thank you to the Office of Wellness and Academic Support for hosting the No Expectations Café on March 11th! Hundreds of students stopped by to connect with various support staff and OEDEI for good food, swag, and resources. We look forward to connecting with learners again at the next event! #StudentWellness #AcademicSupport

We’re excited to be at the Howard University Residency Fair today! Stop by Mayo Clinic’s tables #28 & #29 to connect with our team and learn about our exceptional residency programs. If you’re a medical student in the DC area, this is a great opportunity to explore your future with us. We’re here at the Hyatt Regency Washington until 3 PM—see you soon! #MedicalEducation #ResidencyFair #MayoClinic

?? Celebrating Women’s History Month! ?? This month, we recognize women leaders who educate and inspire future generations. Dr. Amy Seegmiller Renner, PhD, MS, exemplifies this year’s theme—Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations—through her leadership in the I-DARE (Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity) Curriculum and the RISE for Youth Program. Her dedication empowers the next generation to advance equity and inclusion in education. In this Q&A, Dr. Seegmiller Renner shares her journey, passion, and impact: 1. As the program director for the I-DARE Curriculum, how do you see your work inspiring and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals? Dr. Seegmiller Renner: I hope learners are inspired by the curriculum and recognize the impact they make as they apply what they’ve learned. One of my favorite quotes by Ben Sweetland is, “We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own.” When we create inclusive and equitable environments, we uplift not only others but also ourselves. 2. RISE for Youth is shaping the next generation of leaders. What impact have you seen the program make in empowering young people from underrepresented backgrounds? Dr. Seegmiller Renner: Our RISE for Youth graduates continually inspire me! They embrace their strengths and pursue their passions. A few examples: Two graduates created a leadership development program at their high school to give others a similar experience. Another graduate completed high school early, enrolled in the MCSHS phlebotomy technician program, worked as a technician, and is now in an early-acceptance medical school program. Others have secured internships and rotations at Mayo Clinic. Their tenacity and passion are humbling! 3. As a woman leader in medical education, what challenges have you faced in advancing equity, and how do you work to remove barriers for future generations? Dr. Seegmiller Renner: I’m fortunate to work in medical and health professions education, a field filled with passionate individuals who welcome others with open arms. At Mayo Clinic, this sense of support is even stronger. However, finding time and space to advance equity—especially in curriculum development—remains a challenge. Innovation and integrating these topics into everyday learning are key to ensuring our learners develop and refine these critical skills. 4. Who are the women—past or present—who have inspired you in your journey, and how have they shaped your approach to leadership? Read more: https://lnkd.in/gtaCwiXD #WomensHistoryMonth #EquityInEducation

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM)! ?? This month, we celebrate the contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities while promoting inclusion, advocacy, and understanding. Did you know? About 15% of the world’s population lives with a disability. Inclusion means ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to thrive in our communities. ?? How can you participate? ?? Wear orange—the official color of DDAM—to show your support! ?? Snap a selfie in your orange attire and share it with the RST Disability MERG community. ?? Share stories and informative resources to dispel myths and raise awareness. ?? Watch our Self-ID Campaign video and hear powerful stories from Mayo Clinic employees. In honor of DDAM, the Plummer Building, Rochester, MN, is lit to represent different disabilities: ?? Physical disabilities ?? Cognitive & intellectual disabilities ? Invisible & undiagnosed disabilities ?? Mental illness ?? Sensory perception disabilities Let’s work together to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging at Mayo Clinic! #DDAM #InclusionMatters #EverybodyIN

?Applications Now Open: Native American Pathway Program (NAPP)? Are you preparing to enter medical school in the next two years? The Native American Pathway Program offers mentorship, academic support, and cultural grounding to help future physicians succeed! This five-week virtual summer program provides: ?? Coaching for medical school readiness ?? Career exploration & clinical observation ?? Introduction to traditional healing and cultural grounding ?? MCAT prep with The Princeton Review (66 hours of instruction, practice tests & resources!) ?? Long-term mentorship with a Mayo Clinic physician NAPP integrates cultural resilience with academic preparation. Participants will refine personal statements, sharpen interview skills, engage in case studies on health disparities, and build connections with medical students, residents, scientists, and tribal elders. ?? Application Window: February 1 - April 15, 2025 ??? Program Dates: July 7 – August 8, 2025 ?? This program is tuition-free and includes a stipend for participation. ?? Learn more and apply by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visiting our website: https://lnkd.in/gwAAA6dU Your voice belongs in medicine.???? #NativePathways #HealthEquity #IndigenousExcellence #FutureDoctors

?? Two Days Left to Apply for the RISE for Youth Program 2025—Don’t Miss Out! ?? RISE for Youth Is a Mayo Clinic Pathway Program empowering black and underrepresented high school juniors seniors, and college undergraduates to become the changemakers of tomorrow. With the collaboration of the Rochester Branch of the NAACP, this is a program you don't want to miss. ? What You’ll Gain: ? Hands-on experience in healthcare, science, and beyond ? Leadership and professional development skills ? Long-term mentorship from Mayo Clinic professionals and community leaders Together, we’ll bridge gaps, reduce racial disparities, and create pathways for success! ?? ? Application Deadline: March 14, 12:00 AM (Midnight) ?? Location: Rochester, Minnesota ?? To learn more and apply, visit our website: https://mayocl.in/3R5Bc9G or scan the QR code on the flyer! Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your journey toward becoming a leader and changemaker! ?? #RISEforYouth #MayoClinic #NAACP #Leadership #Opportunity #DiversityAndInclusion

Recently, our team had the incredible opportunity to attend the UNITY Native Youth Conference in Phoenix! ?? Hundreds of students gathered for a day filled with learning, connection, and inspiration. Maria L. Molina and Sharon Torres represented our team at the event, where Sharon had a special moment reconnecting with one of her NAPP (Native American Pathway Program) students! Dr. Annie Rusk, M.D., a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician whose research focuses on promoting respiratory health in Indigenous North American communities, also attended. She led speed networking workshops, providing students with valuable mentorship opportunities. We’re grateful for this collaboration and the chance to support the next generation of Native leaders! ?? #UNITYConference #NativeYouth #MentorshipMatters

?? Celebrating Women's History Month ?? Meet Dr. Megan Thorvilson, M.D., a dedicated pediatrician specializing in hospital medicine and palliative care at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. With a passion for health equity and medical education, she is shaping the future of pediatric care through compassionate leadership and mentorship. A recipient of the Outstanding Early Career Pediatric Educator Award and Clinical Teacher of the Year Award, Dr. Thorvilson is committed to inspiring the next generation of physicians. Here’s her Q&A: Q1. Have there been any women in medicine or history who have influenced your career path? A1. Several incredible women in medicine have influenced my career path. My mentor, Dr. Erin Knoebel, a dedicated pediatrician, has guided me with her wisdom and compassionate approach to patient care. Dr. Stephanie Starr, a passionate medical educator, has shaped my perspective on teaching and mentorship. And Dr. Shefali Parikh, one of my fellowship mentors, has been instrumental in my growth, providing invaluable clinical and professional guidance in palliative care. Each of these women has inspired me in different ways, reinforcing the importance of expertise, empathy, and education in medicine." Q2. Palliative care often involves deeply emotional and complex patient interactions. How do you approach this work with compassion while maintaining your own well-being? A2. In palliative care, I approach each interaction with an acceptance of the difficult circumstances while striving to create meaning for patients and their families. I focus on understanding their core values, ensuring that medical decisions align with what matters most to them. This work is deeply emotional, and I find balance by recognizing that my role is not to fix the unfixable, but to provide comfort, clarity, and support. I also prioritize my own well-being by reflecting on the privilege of walking alongside families in these moments and seeking support from colleagues who share this commitment to compassionate care. Q3. You’ve been recognized as an outstanding educator. What are some of your guiding principles when mentoring the next generation of physicians? A3. As an educator, I strive to connect learners to the ‘why’ behind our work—helping them see the deeper purpose in medicine beyond just the day-to-day tasks. I believe mentorship is about more than just teaching skills; it's about helping individuals find their calling and discover what truly fuels their passion. I make it a priority to celebrate growth, recognizing that every step forward—no matter how small—is meaningful. And above all, I focus on building a strong sense of community, where learners feel supported, valued, and inspired to continue growing both personally and professionally. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gtaCwiXD #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInMedicine

Celebrate Women's History Month 2025 with a powerful reading list! Dive into diverse voices and stories curated by the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses. Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3DmDApk

What a night to remember! ? On Thursday, we celebrated Black History & Women’s History Month in Phoenix with an inspiring event featuring two of our very own OEDEI team members! Caleta Beards led the discussion with expert moderation, creating space for meaningful reflection and dialogue. Yerronda Lewis, MBA, as an honored panelist, shared her powerful journey, offering invaluable lessons and life advice. We’re so proud of them both! ???????? #BlackHistoryMonth #WomensHistoryMonth #EquityInAction