Weill Cornell Medical College  established  the Office of Faculty Diversity in Medicine and Science on July 1, 2009 . The mission of the office is to foster a culture of inclusiveness, diversity and equity in academic leadership through initiatives focused on the recruitment, mentoring, promotion and retention of a diverse faculty, and fostering an environment that is welcoming to that diverse faculty.  Dr. Debra G.B. Leonard was appointed the Chief Diversity Officer of Weill Cornell Medical College  with Dr. Carla Boutin-Foster as Director of Cultural Diversity and Dr. Rache Simmons as Director of Gender Diversity.  

  “Committing ourselves to diversity makes us better educators, physicians and scientists, enriching our collaborations and equipping us to serve our increasingly complex and pluralistic society,” says Dr. Antonio M. Gotto Jr., the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College. “I am very pleased to have Drs. Leonard, Boutin-Foster, and Simmons take the lead with this important initiative.”

Weill Cornell has a long tradition of promoting diversity through educational and community outreach programs that span over half a century.  The Office of Faculty Diversity in Medicine and Science will build upon existing programs that have been developed by Dr. Carlyle H. Miller, associate dean for student and equal opportunity programs at Weill Cornell Medical Weill that are focused on enhancing diversity among our medical students.

“Our students expect to learn from faculty whose diverse backgrounds match their own. To this end, we aim to cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment that celebrates each of our singular abilities and perspectives,” says Dr. Miller.