Diversity

The WVU Department of Otolaryngology strives to provide a rich and supportive educational experience to all our trainees.  We take great pride in the varied abilities and skills of our residents and faculty, and are committed to increasing the diversity of our department to reflect that of our changing patient base, and our evolving state.  We have developed the following Diversity Policy, which we would like to share with interested candidates:

Background: The clinical and educational learning environment has changed significantly over the past few decades.  The Department of Otolaryngology is embracing that change by making it our policy to provide an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment which values gender, ethnic, social, cultural, and religious diversity in both our resident and faculty physicians.  We recognize that cultivating a diverse practice leads to increased equity in patient care, and our program aims to teach this to, and encourage this in our residents in order to graduate not only excellent Otolaryngologists, but well-rounded, inclusive, and culturally responsive members of the health care team.

Policy: The WVU Otolaryngology Residency is proud of its graduates.  To continue this proud tradition, our goal is to recruit faculty and residents who are open, responsive, and socially and culturally competent.  We foster a learning environment where every resident feels valued, respected, and supported in reaching their full potential.  We feel that the best way to graduate physicians who represent the diversity of our patients and society is by modelling these goals among our faculty.  We actively seek residents who are receptive to the complex and multifaceted needs of our patients. We strive to recruit residents and faculty from minoritized communities who are traditionally underrepresented in medicine.  We additionally greatly value individuals from all backgrounds including those from economically and educationally underserved communities.

Academic and Learning Environments: West Virginia University Otolaryngology residents practice in a variety of environments. Our educational program is one that recognizes how diversity in the healthcare workforce benefits both our residents’ education, and our patients.   We have actively worked to introduce educational resources and dialogue that raises awareness of unconscious biases and systemic barriers which hinder equity and inclusion. We understand that these conversations are essential for building a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system.

Diversity/Pipeline Programs and Partnerships: Our health science center engages in ongoing and focused recruitment and retention activities to aid us in achieving diversity amongst our trainees, faculty and staff. This includes programs and/or partnerships between key Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion focused personnel, and our Otolaryngology Residency.