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 to train students to cultivate an inclusive and civil culture for future practice as a physician.
A sampling of previous and ongoing projects includes:
- Developing a set of easily accessible resources regarding inclusive practices and civil discourse;
- An annual student-led climate survey and all-school town hall to review the survey results;
- Ongoing civil discourse events to explore perspectives on controversial topics;
- Enhancing cultural competency training during Free Clinic Orientation;
- 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 provides a forum for discussion and reaction to external events that impact students and the field of medicine, augments education 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.