Division of General Rheumatology and Immunology
Diversity and Inclusion
The Division of Rheumatology and Immunology strives to foster an inclusive, collaborative, and diverse environment to promote professional growth while delivering compassionate and equitable patient care. Since January 2023, Dr. Erin Wilfong has represented our division as a member of the Department of Medicine’s Diversity Liaison Committee, and maintains a list of resources for self-directed learning on various diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) topics. In 2023,
Dr. Wilfong participated in a 16-week fellowship on institutional DEI leadership. During this fellowship, she developed a curriculum centered around increasing support and inclusion of our diverse staff, trainees, and faculty through increased awareness of the challenges these individuals face both inside and outside of the Medical Center.
Recent DEI Activities
Rheumatology Grand Rounds
May 11, 2023: Dr. Walter Clair, MD, MPH – Microaggressions
Jan. 12, 2023: Dr. Ashira Blazer, MD, MSCI – Health Disparities in SLE
Quality Improvement Projects
Dr. Catherine Deffendall: Improving continuity of care and patient satisfaction at Nashville General Hospital Rheumatology Clinic
Vanderbilt DEI Resources
- Department of Medicine Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- VUMC/VUSM Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence
- VUMC Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Disability
- VUMC House Staff Diversity & Inclusion Alliance
- VUMC Minority House Staff for Academic and Medical Achievement
- VUMC Program for LGBTQ Health
- Vanderbilt University Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Vanderbilt University Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Life
Internal resources for VUMC employees (Requires login)
- VUMC Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- VUMC/VUSM Office for Diversity Affairs
- VUMC Office of Health Equity Antiracism Hub
- VUMC Employee Resource Groups
- Diversity literature and articles (SharePoint access required)
National Rheumatology DEI Resources
Diversity Liaison
Erin Wilfong, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine