Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Baystate Health, our core values—respect, integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to lifelong learning—guide our daily work. For us, respect means honoring the dignity of every individual. Since embarking on our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) journey in 2008, we have continuously grown and adapted. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace and into the communities we serve, focusing on three key areas:

• Reducing health disparities
• Fostering a more diverse workforce
• Enhancing family prosperity in marginalized communities

Through these initiatives, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all. For more details, feel free to explore our 2022 DEI workforce snapshot and the work being done at the institutional level.

In alignment with our DEI efforts, our residency program has established the proactive "Be the Change" Social Justice Committee, which is dedicated to fostering diversity and cultivating an inclusive clinical learning environment. With decades of experience and strong connections to institutions across the country and globally, we have successfully recruited a diverse group of residents. Our trainees come from various U.S. allopathic and osteopathic programs, as well as from International Medical Graduates hailing from Canada, Puerto Rico, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. We employ a holistic review process for resident selection, taking into account academic achievements, personal experiences, and socio-economic backgrounds.

As part of our commitment to equity, we provide a "poverty simulation" early in the onboarding process to help residents better understand the social determinants of health that impact our patient population.

To promote continuous learning and a culture of respect, we offer regular DEI workshops and training sessions on topics such as unconscious bias and cultural competence. Our inclusive curriculum also integrates sessions on social justice, health equity, and cultural humility, all of which are embedded in clinical training to ensure compassionate, equitable care for our diverse patient population.

Cultural Diversity Celebration

Our cultural diversity celebrations not only highlight the unique experiences of our residents but also foster a deep sense of respect and inclusivity within the program. Each quarter, our residents, staff, and/or faculty members present aspects of their culture, including traditional customs, healthcare perspectives, and personal stories that have shaped their identities. These events feature authentic cultural cuisine, music, and interactive discussions, offering everyone the opportunity to engage, learn, and appreciate diverse backgrounds. Additionally, these celebrations bring our entire residency community together to share the history, culture, food, and healthcare practices of the cultures they represent. By embracing cultural diversity, we create a more inclusive environment that nurtures personal growth and enhances our ability to provide culturally competent care to our diverse patient population.

URiM Trainee Mentoring Network

We are proud to launch the URiM Trainee Mentoring Network, a dedicated mentorship program aimed at supporting residents from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine. Through this initiative, we pair residents with experienced senior faculty mentors who offer personalized guidance, professional development, and career-building opportunities. Mentors provide insights into navigating the challenges of residency, developing leadership skills, and exploring various career paths in medicine. By fostering meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, the program not only supports career advancement but also promotes a sense of belonging, empowerment, and inclusion within our residency community.

Your Voice is Heard!

At Baystate, we believe that every resident's voice matters, and we are committed to creating a collaborative environment where feedback and ideas of our residents are heard. Through various committees and leadership roles, residents actively shape the direction of our program and ensure continuous improvement.

• Residency Program Evaluation Committee: Residents work alongside faculty, leadership, and peers to assess the program’s goals and progress, contributing to the ongoing enhancement of the residency. Three residents from each class are elected to serve.
• Resident Executive Council: This council functions as an open forum where peer-elected class representatives collaborate with chief residents and Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC) representatives. Together, they address issues related to residency training, elevate concerns to leadership, and work on solutions that directly impact the residency experience.
• Wellness Steering Committee: Dedicated to promoting resident well-being, this committee organizes wellness activities, provides stress management resources, and advocates for a supportive training environment.
• Medical Education Council: This council oversees the educational quality of the residency program. Two subcommittees—Academic Half-Day and Ambulatory Education—focus on enhancing both inpatient and outpatient learning experiences.
• Be the Change - Social Justice Committee: Focused on addressing healthcare disparities and promoting inclusivity, this committee provides residents the opportunity to advocate for equity and engage in meaningful initiatives.
• Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC): This committee ensures the quality of GME training and the work environment, with residents serving as peer-elected representatives to voice concerns and suggestions at the institutional level.

Through these committees and councils, our residents have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions, advocate for change, and ensure that the residency program continues to meet the needs of all its trainees. Whether it’s through program evaluation, wellness initiatives, or social justice advocacy, residents’ voices are integral to shaping the future of our residency program.