Gender Equity Council

Charter

Gender Equality symbols

The Department of Medicine Gender Equity Council (GEC) advises the Department Chair on matters related to gender equity, makes recommendations to ensure an equitable and inclusive environment in the department, and plans and implements activities that promote gender equity.

GEC logo
This is unpublished

OverviewGEC logo

The Gender Equity Council was formed in 2020 by Dr. Barbara Jung, the first female chair of the Department of Medicine in its more than 70-year history.

The inaugural co-chairs were Dr. Susan Merel and Stephanie Timm. 

“I am thrilled to be involved in the inaugural Gender Equity Council and very honored to be asked to help lead it,” said Dr. Susan Merel, inaugural co-chair. “I hope to work closely with the Diversity Council and LGBTQ+ Council to help build a more equitable Department of Medicine.”

“The GEC will be working on finding ways to support, retain, and provide opportunities for career advancement and leadership training for women and gender minorities,” said inaugural co-chair Steph Timm.

“We will be examining conditions of employment such as compensation and work environment, creating best practices for recruitment, identifying and seeking solutions related to the support of employees with families, increasing the visibility and accessibility of women and gender minorities, and working with the LGBTQ+ Council to develop strategies for creating a safe, diverse, and inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees.”

GEC Members

Co-chairs

Susan Merel

Susan Merel

Associate Professor, General Internal Medicine

Associate Director, Medicine Student Programs for Electives

Kelsey Griffin

Kelsey Griffin

Operations Manager, Division of Gastroenterology

 

Members

  • Nisha Bansal, Associate Professor, Nephrology (2022)
  • Lia Barros, Teaching Associate, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (2021)
  • Pavan Bhatraju, Assistant Professor, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (2021)
  • Sam Caldwell, Agreements Manager, Department of Medicine (2022)
  • Ryan Clodfelter, Clinical Instructor, General Internal Medicine (2022)
  • Başak Çoruh, Associate Professor, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine (2022)
  • Amy Fields, Director of Communications, Department of Medicine (2021)
  • Whitney Harper, Program Specialist, IM Residency Program (2021)
  • Roxanne Hicks, Resident, IM Residency Program (2022)
  • Jocelyn James, Assistant Professor, General Internal Medicine (2023)
  • Catherine Kaminetzky, Associate Professor, General Internal Medicine (2021)
  • Farah Khan, Clinical Assistant Professor, Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition (2021)
  • Christine Limonte, Fellow, Nephrology (2021)
  • Leah Marcotte, Assistant Professor, General Internal Medicine (2023)
  • Lisa Perdue, Administrative Assistant, Gastroenterology (2023)
  • Namrata Singh, Assistant Professor, Rheumatology (2023)
  • Laurie Soine, Teaching Associate, Cardiology (2022)
  • Lynn Symonds, Fellow, Medical Oncology (2021)
  • Lisa Vig, Associate Professor, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine (2023)

Ex-Officio Members

  • Sean Greenlee, Program Manager, DEI
  • David Horne, Associate professor, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine; Associate Chair for DEI
  • Cynthia Ko, Associate Professor, Gastroenterology; Associate Chair for Faculty Affairs
  • Trish Kritek, Professor, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine; Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs, School of Medicine
  • Jackie Monroe, Director, Academic Human Resources, Department of Medicine
  • Lara Rich, Program Manager, Department of Medicine

Council Subcommittees

Employment and Career Advancement Committee

Chair: Kelsey Griffin

The Employment and Career Advancement committee is charged with improving the work climate, support, career advancement, and retention for women and gender minorities. This may include implementing initiatives suggested by department-wide climate surveys of faculty and staff as well as periodic review of gender disparities in promotion, salary and career advancement, and implementation of initiatives to correct these disparities.

Family Support Committee

Chair: Lia Barros

The Family Support Committee is charged with identifying department needs and seeking solutions related to the support of employees with families.

Outreach and Visibility Committee

Chair: Amy Fields

The Outreach and Visibility Committee is charged with increasing the visibility and accessibility of women and gender minorities (in collaboration with the DEI strategic plan outreach and visibility subcommittee.) 

Initiatives

Gender Equity Awards

Recognizing and celebrating individuals who are dedicated to supporting the success of women and gender minorities.

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Ambassador Program

Our Gender Equity Ambassadors act as champions for gender equity in the department.

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Lunch Series

Provides a space for informal, open dialogue on real issues that women and gender minorities face in the workplace and beyond.

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