Ongoing Initiatives:
Pediatrics Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee
As of May 2023, the Pediatric Residency Program has established a Pediatrics Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. The Committee is meant to provide a safe space for Pediatric and Med+Peds residents and faculty who identify as Underrepresented in Medicine (URM) and all allies. While the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) defines underrepresented in medicine (URM) as “racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population”, this DEI Committee is committed to using a broader definition of URM. Our definition includes not only those from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, but also diversity in religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability/disability, and socioeconomic background.
The goals of this committee are to create a workforce that is representative of the patient population we serve, promote best practices for increasing equity and inclusion through education and training, and encourage community building. The Pediatrics Department remains committed to funding the initiatives of this committee.
Keck School of Medicine Diversity Council: https://keck.usc.edu/education/md-program/diversity-inclusion/
Graduate Medical Education Committee Diversity Subcommittee: monthly meetings to discuss institution-wide issues
Los Angeles General Hospital Medicine Affinity Groups: https://dhs.lacounty.gov/lageneral/our-services/speciality-care/hospital-medicine/#1661360351962-fb2c36d6-603f
Coming Soon: Pediatrics Funded Diversity Sub-Internship
Mechanism for reporting discrimination and microaggressions:
Our patient population:
Los Angeles County is one of the most ethnically and socially diverse regions in the United States and is home to people from more than 140 countries, speaking 224 different identified languages. The City of Angels boasts the largest communities outside their home countries of many nations, including Korea, Iran, Thailand, Mexico, and El Salvador. In addition to those who call LA home, there are over 47 million visitors Los Angeles annually.
As a safety-net hospital, LAC+USC serves a highly vulnerable population. During your training here with us, you will care for these Angelenos, their families, and the visitors to our county. We believe that learning from and caring for a population diverse in thought and experience breeds a more thoughtful and emphathetic physician. We are proud of our role in helping bridge the gaps in healthcare disparities and providing care for marginalized communities
Resident Diversity Champions:
Isabel Chin, PGY-1, Med+Peds
Bio: Isabel believes that racial capitalism and other oppressive societal systems are the underlying cause of the health inequities we see. She therefore views efforts to advance justice and to dismantle structural racism, classism and sexism, as the most important work she can do to improve the health of individuals and communities
Valeria Mejia, PGY-3, Pediatrics
Bio: "The key to becoming a well rounded physician is recognizing that medicine is not possible without diversity. I am thankful that being Mexican American, I understand my patients on a deeper level. As a learner, I am constantly learning from my peers of all backgrounds that help me grow as a provider. This is why DEI matters to me."
Japmeet Sandhu, PGY-2, Pediatrics
Bio: coming soon
Sheryar Siddiqui, PGY-3, Pediatrics
Bio: coming soon
Andrea Soto-Lopez, PGY-2, Med+Peds
Bio: coming soon
Faculty Diversity Champions:
Monika Alas-Segura, MD, Outpatient Pediatrics
Bio: coming soon
Catherine DeRidder, MD, Child Abuse
Bio: “Diversity, equity, and inclusion makes us stronger. We are caring for a diverse patient population at Los Angeles General Medical Center and preparing the next generation of pediatricians. DEI initiatives are necessary to provide new perspectives and increase empathy in each other and towards our patients.”
Tobi Fishel, PhD, Director of Wellness
Bio: coming soon
Photo: coming soon
Maria Hanna, MD, Oncology
Bio: coming soon
Photo: coming soon
Tania Kimia, MD, Allergy & Immunology
Bio: "I am excited to empower the next generation of physicians regarding the importance of diversity and inclusion as we strive to improve healthcare outcomes and expand community outreach for our low-income children and families with limited access to care."
Daniel Meza, MD, Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Bio: coming soon
Photo: coming soon
Hannah Obasi, MD, Adult Hospital Medicine
Bio: coming soon
Photo: coming soon
Adler Salazar, MD, Pediatric Intensive Care, Program Director
Bio: coming soon
Photo: coming soon
Tracey Samko, MD, Med+Peds Hospital Medicine
Bio: coming soon
Photo: coming soon
Supriya Sharma, MD, Child Abuse and PEM
Bio: coming soon
Photo: coming soon
Marc Weigensberg, MD, Endocrinology
Bio: I believe attention to DEI is critical to maintaining a safe and optimal workplace environment.
