College’s faculty and research staff were members of the inaugural cohort for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Diversity Certificate Program. Kathy Barker, PhD, a research scientist in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, Bradley Boucher, PharmD, FCCP, FCCM, Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science and Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Operations, and Dawn Havrda, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, were all awarded their certificates at the December graduation.
Increasingly, diversity and inclusion are strategic business drivers that have a direct impact on organizational effectiveness and reputation. Investing in diversity and inclusion is paramount to improving employee engagement, serving students more effectively, increasing institutional innovation, and preparing more knowledgeable health care professionals.
The program demonstrates that embracing diversity and inclusion can bring a broader range of perspectives and backgrounds into the UTHSC, leading to more effective decision-making. Participants gain a sound understanding of the latest research and best practices in the fields of cultural competency and diversity.