The Identity and Inclusion Steering Committee (i2i) is responsible for providing ongoing direction for programs and/or curricula at Pritzker that support an inclusive learning environment and promote respectful and effective communication with diverse patients and colleagues around issues of identity (examples include but are not limited to socioeconomic status, race, religion, LGBTQ+ status, genders, disability, etc.).
Established in May of 2016, the committee tasked themselves with developing programming surrounding minoritized identities and inclusion by determining topics deemed relevant to Pritzker’s learning community and training students to cultivate an inclusive and civil culture and future practice as a physician.
Previous and on-going projects include:
- Developing a set of easily accessible resources regarding inclusive practices and civil discourse;
- Integrating “Safe Space” training in the required MS1 Health Care Disparities in America course;
- Enhancing cultural competency training during Free Clinic Orientation;
- Creating a new student research project award for research that addresses issues of varying identities and inclusion in patient care;
- Training in bias and identity issues that affect patients during the Clinical Skills course sequence; and
- Identifying speakers to give foundational lectures on the nature of self and identity and other topics.
However, the work of the committee is not limited to programming. Committee meetings are an outlet for student group representatives to share and discuss concerns from their respective communities. Additionally, the committee responds to local, national, and international events which impact students, augments curricula with identity- or inclusion-based training when appropriate, and fosters a school environment of equity, civil discourse, support, and growth.
The i2i Committee consists of permanent members chosen to represent their respective classes. Additional members include student governance, wellness, and curriculum committee representatives, affinity group representatives, faculty members, and staff members. New MS1 permanent members are selected each Fall. The committee generally meets monthly throughout the year.