Ongoing Initiatives:

Pediatrics Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee

The Pediatrics/Med+Peds Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee was established in May 2023. The Committee provides a safe space for Pediatric and Med+Peds residents and faculty who identify as Underrepresented in Medicine (URM) and all allies. While the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) defines underrepresented in medicine (URM) as “racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population”, this DEI Committee is committed to using a broader definition of URM. Our definition includes not only those from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, but also includes diversity in religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability/disability, and socioeconomic background.

The goals of this committee are to 1) Recruit and retain a workforce that is representative of the patient population we serve, 2) Promote best practices for increasing equity and inclusion through education and training, and 3) Encourage community building through social events and community outreach. The Pediatrics Department remains committed to funding the initiatives of this committee including a new Diversity in Medicine Visiting Clerkship Award.

Our residents our represented by the CIR Union and have access to a $125,000 fund for DEI initiatives and travel to conferences: Los Angeles General+ USC Medical Center - Committee of Interns and Residents

Keck School of Medicine Diversity Champions: DEI Champions - Justice through Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Well-Being and Social Transformation

LAMGC is represented on this faculty committee by Senior DEI Champion, Dr. Alyssa Rosario

Graduate Medical Education Committee Diversity Subcommittee: monthly meetings to discuss institution-wide issues

Los Angeles General Hospital Medicine Affinity Groups: https://dhs.lacounty.gov/lageneral/our-services/speciality-care/hospital-medicine/#1661360351962-fb2c36d6-603f

Diversity in Medicine Visiting Clerkship Award: Please submit your application for 2025 here: Awards and Scholarships - Office of Diversity and Inclusion

First award provided 2024

Our patient population:

Los Angeles County is one of the most ethnically and socially diverse regions in the United States and is home to people from more than 140 countries, speaking 224 different identified languages. The City of Angels boasts the largest communities outside their home countries of many nations, including Korea, Iran, Thailand, Mexico, and El Salvador. In addition to those who call LA home, there are over 47 million visitors Los Angeles annually.

As a safety-net hospital, LAC+USC serves a highly vulnerable population. During your training here with us, you will care for these Angelenos, their families, and the visitors to our county. We believe that learning from and caring for a population diverse in thought and experience breeds a more thoughtful and emphathetic physician. We are proud of our role in helping bridge the gaps in healthcare disparities and providing care for marginalized communities

Faculty Diversity Champions:

Monika Alas-Segura, MD, Outpatient Pediatrics

Bio: coming soon

Catherine DeRidder, MD, Child Abuse

Bio: “Diversity, equity, and inclusion makes us stronger. We are caring for a diverse patient population at Los Angeles General Medical Center and preparing the next generation of pediatricians. DEI initiatives are necessary to provide new perspectives and increase empathy in each other and towards our patients.”

Tobi Fishel, PhD, Director of Wellness

Bio: coming soon

Photo: coming soon

Maria Hanna, MD, Oncology

Bio: coming soon

Photo: coming soon

Tania Kimia, MD, Allergy & Immunology

Bio: "I am excited to empower the next generation of physicians regarding the importance of diversity and inclusion as we strive to improve healthcare outcomes and expand community outreach for our low-income children and families with limited access to care."

Daniel Meza, MD, Pediatric Hospital Medicine

Bio: coming soon

Photo: coming soon

Hannah Obasi, MD, Adult Hospital Medicine

Bio: coming soon

Photo: coming soon

Adler Salazar, MD, Pediatric Intensive Care, Program Director

Bio: coming soon

Photo: coming soon

Tracey Samko, MD, Med+Peds Hospital Medicine

Bio: coming soon

Photo: coming soon