Councils and committees

Part of the mandate of the Office of Inclusion & Diversity (OID) is to create ongoing opportunities to collaborate within Temerty Medicine and across other Faculties at U of T on matters of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). The OID uses a collaborative approach in forming working groups, committees, and councils to advise on specific EDI areas or initiatives, and also participates in groups led by other areas of Temerty Medicine. The following groups are chaired or supported by OID and have established ongoing meetings to advise and guide EDI-related initiatives.

For queries on any of the current or previous groups, please email medicine.oid@utoronto.ca. 

CURRENT GROUPS

Diversity Advisory Council (DivAC) (established 2018)

This Council is established under the authority of the Dean for the purpose of advising the Associate Dean, Inclusion and Diversity and ultimately the Dean’s Executive on matters relating to inclusion, equity, human rights, and diversity at Temerty Medicine in order to move forward the commitment to social justice and health equity.

Black Learner Experience Working Group (established 2021)

This group aims to ensure the ongoing development of culturally proficient spaces, effective supports and resources, and rich co-curricular opportunities for Black learners. They will provide recommendations and guidance to enhance student experience and address barriers to the retention of Black learners within the Temerty Medicine academic community.

EDI Leads Circle (established 2022)

This group is a space for each designated departmental contact on matters relating to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). The aim of the group is to provide assistance and development in the equity leadership roles, and to action projects that can be scaled across the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

TGD Gathering Committee (established 2023)

This learner-led group hosts regular gatherings to provide community spaces for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) learners (including graduate, professional, and medical streams). These events aim to unite and nurture a diverse community of learners, staff, and faculty members across the TFOM who are part of the TGD community through community socials, workshops and networking events.

PREVIOUS GROUPS

Learner Equity Action & Discussion (LEAD) Committee (2019-2023)

The LEAD Committee comprised of learners across Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Learners includes the broad range of students who participate in Temerty Medicine education programs, including undergraduate and graduate students in clinical, rehabilitation, and basic Sciences programs; residents, fellows, postdoctoral fellows, and other trainees.

Community of Practice for EDI Faculty Leaders (2022-2023)

Temerty Medicine is grateful for the courageous leadership of those working for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within departments, and simultaneously aware of the toll that this courageous work takes on individuals. We have heard clearly that a safe, supportive space to heal, reflect, and come together is essential. As such, a community of practice (COP) was piloted for EDI faculty leaders. A high degree of listening, empathy, and coming together collectively was encouraged to create a climate of safety and trust amongst group members.

Disability Inclusion Working Group (2022-2023)

Supporting learners, staff and faculty with regards to accessibility and disability has been identified as priority area of need for Temerty Medicine. The gathering of the Disability Inclusion Working Group was the first step in the process. The group created a focused plan to foster disability justice across all departments, with specific short and long term action items to effect tangible change.

Learner Mentorship Alignment Working Group (2023-2024)

Co-chaired with the Office of Learner Affairs, this group considered and recommended implementation opportunities that would enable and support centralized oversight of mentorship programming for medical students, residents and fellows. A primary goal of this centralized oversight is to provide learner mentorship programming that is accessible, sustainable, and consistent with wise practices in mentorship, such as ensuring that equity, diversity, Indigeneity and accessibility considerations are embedded across all learner mentorship opportunities.