Medical Students

Reducing Weight Stigma & Bias in Healthcare-March 17th

Virtual Event

March 17, 2026 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm


Building Inclusive and Affirming Interactions at UW Medicine

Reducing Weight Stigma and Bias in Healthcare – As part of UW Medicine’s ongoing efforts to reduce bias in healthcare, this new course explores bias related to body weight. Framed around patient stories, this course aims to increase empathy related to weight stigma by offering a better understand of the history of society’s relationship with weight, as well as explore contemporary research that challenges stereotypes in society about health and one’s body size. This course also focuses on skills we can use in healthcare to decrease bias and improve interactions with people related to their body. 

Objectives:
1. Increase empathy through adult patient stories related to weight stigma. 
2. Understand the history of society’s relationship with weight. 
3. Increase knowledge of recent research on weight’s impact on health, weight loss interventions, and the success at maintaining weight loss. 
4. Learn skills to decrease bias and improve interactions with people related to their body. 

All are welcome to this training.

Register via Zoom

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Reducing Weight Stigma & Bias in Healthcare-January 21st

Virtual Event

January 21, 2026 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm


Building Inclusive and Affirming Interactions at UW Medicine

Reducing Weight Stigma and Bias in Healthcare – As part of UW Medicine’s ongoing efforts to reduce bias in healthcare, this new course explores bias related to body weight. Framed around patient stories, this course aims to increase empathy related to weight stigma by offering a better understand of the history of society’s relationship with weight, as well as explore contemporary research that challenges stereotypes in society about health and one’s body size. This course also focuses on skills we can use in healthcare to decrease bias and improve interactions with people related to their body. 

Objectives:
1. Increase empathy through adult patient stories related to weight stigma. 
2. Understand the history of society’s relationship with weight. 
3. Increase knowledge of recent research on weight’s impact on health, weight loss interventions, and the success at maintaining weight loss. 
4. Learn skills to decrease bias and improve interactions with people related to their body. 

All are welcome to this training.

Register via Zoom

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Pronoun Competency Training – January 20th

Virtual Event

January 20, 2026 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Objective
Building Inclusive and Affirming Interactions at UW Medicine

Using individuals’ pronouns is fundamental to respectful, inclusive, and affirming interactions across UW Medicine, with our colleagues, students, and patients.  Many of our community members make mistakes at times, are corrected, and genuinely apologize.  However, to truly improve, we need structured and supportive opportunities to practice. These opportunities are not typically available in our day-to-day interactions.

This monthly training series provides ongoing opportunities to practice and receive feedback from experts and supportive colleagues to improve pronoun competency. Remember, practice makes perfect and you may attend these sessions as often as you would like. Registration for each group is capped at 20 to allow for individualized practice and feedback. The goal is to foster inclusion and belonging for every member of our UW Medicine community, with emphasis on supporting those who do not use he/his or she/her pronouns.

Register via Zoom

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National Latino Physician Day Recap

  • A woman with black hair in a black top sings to a crowd with a pleasant expression.
    Latina musical artist MONA aka Camila Ugarte gave a joyful and high-energy performance.
  • A group folks dance in front of the room energetically with pleasant expressions.
    The Office of Healthcare Equity and Office of Faculty affairs proudly sponsored the Network of Underrepresented Residents and Fellows and the Latino Medical Student Association as they co-hosted the first National Latino Physician Day at UW Medicine.
  • A woman smiles while accepting an award behind a podium while the awardee looks on
    OHCE’s Director of Community Engagement, Nora Coronado, receiving the Manuel Barron Impact Award for her commitment to mentoring and centering the needs of the Hispanic/Latinx community to ensure that everyone has the necessary educational access to achieving a thriving career in a STEM field.
  • A woman in a grey sweater stands in the front of the room and speaks to a crowd. She has dark hair that is shoulder-length and identifies as Latinx.
    Dr. Zaballa became faculty at Swedish Cherry Hill Family Medicine in 2022 and serves as the current Sea Mar site director. She spoke to how identity shaped her professional trajectory in medicine and the importance of representation in medicine to provide culturally competent care.
  • A man with a mustache that identifies as Latinx wearing a brown shirt speaks to the crowd.
    Dr. Gamboa is a Professor Emeritus of the Department of American Ethnic Studies at UW. Gamboa’s research and publications are focused on the history of Latinx in the Pacific Northwest, and his speech focused on the influence of Hispanic/Latinx communities in Seattle.
  • Students stand and mingle in a full room standing under a projector that says 'National Latino Physician Day'.
    National Latino Physician Day’s mission is to address the Latinx physician shortage crisis and improve the quality of care for the Latinx patient population in the U.S. by increasing the number of Latinx physicians who provide culturally and linguistically concordant care.
  • A man in a white button-up that identifies as Latinx speaks to a crowd.
    Dr. Morales is a Professor of Medicine, Assistant Dean for Healthcare Equity, and Affiliate Professor of Public Health and Social Work at UW. He also co-directs the UW Latino Center for Health, a state-funded, community-engaged research center. Dr. Morales spoke to current health inequities that Hispanic/Latinx people face in the medical system as patients, providers, and as students.
  • A room of college students, staff, and faculty look on as speakers share their stories.
    This past Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month was filled with vibrant celebrations honoring the contributions of Hispanic/Latinx people across UW Medicine and the broader community with the celebration of National Latino Physician Day.

This past Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month was filled with vibrant celebrations honoring the contributions of Hispanic/Latinx people across UW Medicine and the broader community. The Office of Healthcare Equity and Office of Faculty affairs proudly sponsored the Network of Underrepresented Residents and Fellows and the Latino Medical Student Association as they co-hosted the first National Latino Physician Day at UW Medicine. National Latino Physician Day’s mission is to address the Latinx physician shortage crisis and improve the quality of care for the Latinx patient population in the U.S. by increasing the number of Latinx physicians who provide culturally and linguistically concordant care. 

Dr. Michael Silva, president of NURF, and Lessly Torres, current UW medical student, collaborated to highlight Hispanic/Latinx Medical professionals in a night of powerful storytelling and rich local Seattle history. Speakers included Dr. Alexandra Zaballa, Dr. Erasmo Gamboa, and Dr. Leo S. Morales. Dr. Zaballa became faculty at Swedish Cherry Hill Family Medicine in 2022 and serves as the current Sea Mar site director. She spoke to how identity shaped her professional trajectory in medicine and the importance of representation in medicine to provide culturally competent care. Dr. Gamboa is a Professor Emeritus of the Department of American Ethnic Studies at UW. Gamboa’s research and publications are focused on the history of Latinx in the Pacific Northwest, and his speech focused on the influence of Hispanic/Latinx communities in Seattle. He stays active in retirement through supporting several organizations, including the Sea Mar Community Health Center and the Sea Mar Latino Museum. Dr. Morales is a Professor of Medicine, Assistant Dean for Healthcare Equity, and Affiliate Professor of Public Health and Social Work at UW. He also co-directs the UW Latino Center for Health, a state-funded, community-engaged research center. Dr. Morales spoke to current health inequities that Hispanic/Latinx people face in the medical system as patients, providers, and as students. His commitment to improving Latino Health outcomes and his leadership was recognized in 2023 with the Washington State Public Health Association Secretary’s Award and in 2021 with Washington State Medical Association Grassroots Advocate Award.

Additional highlights of the evening included OHCE’s Director of Community Engagement, Nora Coronado, receiving the Manuel Barron Impact Award for her commitment to mentoring and centering the needs of the Hispanic/Latinx community to ensure that everyone has the necessary educational access to achieving a thriving career in a STEM field. Latina musical artist MONA aka Camila Ugarte gave a joyful and high-energy performance, and local restaurant MAIZ provided delicious, authentic Mexican catering.

Over the course of the evening, new connections were made, old connections reignited, and inspirational energy spread throughout. At UW Medicine we remain deeply committed to amplifying the authentic and diverse voices of everyone who lends their excellence and warmth to our organization. 

Community Collaborations –Equipping the Next Gen in Healthcare

Check out this recent video from the EthnoMed team about the recent Youth Job Fair hosted by YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish this Fall.

The Youth Job Fair hosted by YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish this past September offered opportunity for UW Medicine to connect with aspiring healthcare professionals and doctors in partnership with EthnoMed, the Office of Healthcare Equity, Community House Calls, and the Harborview Medicine DEI Team. Thank you to Asmeret Tesfalem, Bridget Garland, Martine Pierre-Louis, and Jennifer Huong for showing that careers in healthcare are accessible and attainable for youth from marginalized communities.

Left to right: Bridget Garland, Asmeret Tesfalem, Jeniffer Houng, Martine Pierre-Louis, James Sherrell
University of Washington Staff tabling at an event and interacting with the public
Left to right: Jeniffer Houng, Asmeret Tesfalem, Martine Pierre-Louis, and James Sherrell

The EthnoMed team shared information on their shadowing, mentorship, and internship opportunities for younger students and classes, and rotations and projects for graduate students, medical residents, and fellows. The Office of Healthcare Equity amplified the various programs in the Center for Workforce Inclusion and Healthcare System Equity (WIHSE), whose mission is to liberate all our communities’ brilliant potential to be future healthcare leaders. Young students had the chance to learn about how they can participate in all WIHSE programs, including Doctor for a Day, UDOC, SHPEP, and SHPEPLE. They learned about our DFAD monthly events (Sep–Jun), the upcoming UDOC and SHPEP application cycles, and the mission of the SHPEPLE program.

By promoting these opportunities, the WIHSE team aims to inspire youth with a sense of belonging and empowerment as they pursue futures in healthcare. Doctor for a Day’s purpose is to inspire and encourage educationally and economically under-resourced students to consider healthcare careers. Bridget Garland, Project Manager at the Office of Healthcare Equity shared, “Having a strong community and support network early in your career is key to gaining more experience, learning about the field, and having a sense of belonging—so seeing the friendships and professional networking between students who participate in WIHSE programs flourish is definitely most rewarding.”

You can learn more about community engagement events and programming offered across UW Medicine by heading to the links below. James Sherrell, Program Operations Specialist at Harborview Medical Center, spoke about the resources provided at the YWCA event: “My favorite is Doctor for a Day, where students work with our University of Washington School of Medicine and get the chance to see themselves in life-saving roles.”

AIM Towards Positive Change Mentorship

Seeking mentors to support AIM Towards Positive Change Mentorship Program

Africans in Medicine (AIM) is a registered student organization at the University of Washington Seattle Campus. It strives to create a space where students of color, primarily African students, can feel safe and find community. The AIM Towards Positive Change Mentorship program was created by members of the AIM RSO who saw the need for mentorship in their community. The mentorship program seeks to make pursuing healthcare more accessible for undergraduate students of any underrepresented racial or ethnic group by connecting them directly to health professionals in the fields they are interested in.

The AIM Mentorship Program offers a flexible and meaningful opportunity for mentors of any racial or ethnic background to support aspiring healthcare professionals of color. Mentors are asked to commit at least one hour per month, with meeting frequency and scheduling determined by mentor and mentee availability. Mentors are also asked to communicate with their mentees in a timely manner and consistently throughout the duration of the mentorship period (cycles begin in June). The expectation is that mentors will create a respectful and healthy environment for the mentees to grow and navigate their academic, professional, and personal development goals. The program welcomes mentors from diverse healthcare backgrounds, including medical doctors, medical students, nurses, nursing students, physician assistants, PA students, dentists, dental students, allied health professionals, and community or public health workers. Participation is open to residents, faculty, and practicing clinicians, with no restrictions on career stage.

Interested individuals can learn more and access the mentor application through the Program website here, Application Process – AIM Towards Positive Change Mentorship Program, or directly access the application link here, AIM Towards Positive Change Mentorship Program (Mentor Sign Up Form), to apply.

There is no set deadline to apply; mentors are accepted on a rolling basis. This opportunity is open to all mentors interested in supporting the mission of increasing representation in healthcare professions. Learn more about AIM here.

Doctor for a Day: Diabetes Sweet Truths – Protecting Sight, Filters, and Balance 

November 22 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Doctor for a Day from the University of Washington, School of Medicine, is excited to host this free in-person event with hands-on activities focusing around learning about medicine and healthcare professions. With a focus on Endocrinology, Nephrology, and Ophthalmology, participants will have the chance to talk with current medical students, residents, and attendings to learn more about a future career in medicine. Bring all of your questions. Free lunch is provided!

RSVP Required: RSVP link is closed.

Doctor for a Day is dedicated to increasing the numbers of people from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in the healthcare field. DFAD focuses on students from 7th grade all the way up to college level students. Reach out for more information, and follow us to learn more about future Doctor for a Day events on Instagram at @UW_DFAD. 

If you have any questions please email dferede@uw.edu or rsanche3@uw.edu.

Issaquah High School

700 2nd Avenue SE
Issaquah, Washington 98027 United States + Google Map
425-837-6000
View Venue Website

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OHCE Deeper Dive Discussions: Social Determinants of Health – December 22nd

Virtual Event

December 22 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am

The Office of Healthcare Equity is pleased to share our newest training and education opportunity. You are invited to sign up for our Deeper Dive Discussions.

We are looking for UW Medicine community members to help us pilot and provide feedback on these discussions, as we prepare to go live with this program early next year.   

Sessions are one hour long, led by a pair of trained facilitators, with a maximum of 20 participants. To prepare for this discussion, all participants are asked to review a 30-minute e-learning didactic presentation of the foundational training topic in focus. The eLearning module link will be included in the registration confirmation.

Register via Zoom

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OHCE Deeper Dive Discussions: History of Race and Racism in Science & Medicine – December 8th

Virtual Event

December 8 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

The Office of Healthcare Equity is pleased to share our newest training and education opportunity. You are invited to sign up for our Deeper Dive Discussions.

We are looking for UW Medicine community members to help us pilot and provide feedback on these discussions, as we prepare to go live with this program early next year.   

Sessions are one hour long, led by a pair of trained facilitators, with a maximum of 20 participants. To prepare for this discussion, all participants are asked to review a 30-minute e-learning didactic presentation of the foundational training topic in focus. The eLearning module link will be included in the registration confirmation.

Register via Zoom

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OHCE Deeper Dive Discussions: Identity, Privilege & Intersectionality – December 5th

Virtual Event

December 5 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

The Office of Healthcare Equity is pleased to share our newest training and education opportunity. You are invited to sign up for our Deeper Dive Discussions.

We are looking for UW Medicine community members to help us pilot and provide feedback on these discussions, as we prepare to go live with this program early next year.   

Sessions are one hour long, led by a pair of trained facilitators, with a maximum of 20 participants. To prepare for this discussion, all participants are asked to review a 30-minute e-learning didactic presentation of the foundational training topic in focus. The eLearning module link will be included in the registration confirmation.

Register via Zoom

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