Department of Equity and Engagement

Equity and Engagement Team

The Equity and Engagement Team was formed to improve the culture and climate of social equity by addressing biases and to learn the factors that perpetuate inequity. The members of this committee are dedicated to fostering a transformative culture of equity and engagement to create an environment powered for optimal education, research and clinical excellence in surgery. 

Through education and prevention, the committee will support the department by bringing together people from different backgrounds to enrich the academic environment so that all are able to achieve their academic and professional goals. We will ensure equity in the hiring, professional development, promotion, retention, participation in department activities, and support of women and underrepresented faculty, staff and learners. The committee is dedicated to eliminating all forms of bias and discrimination and elevating social consciousness and cultural competence.

Staff Council

The Staff Council's purpose is to support, represent, and serve the staff in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery. The Staff Council will work collaboratively with Department of Surgery leadership and divisions to implement and optimize staff development and culture. The Staff Council is also an arena for networking and mentoring, as well as policy and procedure optimization.  

Scope of Work:

• Forum for discussion and solution development of issues relevant to department staff
• Mentoring network for staff 
• Spotlighting successful models to stimulate ideas and discussion of best practices
• Support the onboarding and professional development practices for all department staff