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

​​​​​​​Internal resources for VUMC employees​​​​​​​ (Requires login)

National Rheumatology DEI Resources

Diversity Liaison

Erin Wilfong, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor of Medicine