Equity, diversity, inclusion, and antiracism are true to our mission. Here you can learn more about what that means at Olive View.
Who We Are
Claudia Cabrera, MD
Primary Care Faculty
I decided to complete a GIM fellowship to focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, which are fundamental in addressing health disparities among the most vulnerable communities. With that, I strive to focus on efforts that address social determinants of health and advocate for the diversification of the medical field, as a means to achieve health justice.
Nisha Sunku, MD
Chief Resident
I joined EDI because so much happened in 2020 and I learned so much. So, I wanted to find a way to channel those lessons into shaping and transforming healthcare. And I think in order to do that, you have to start with health equity, diversity and inclusion!
Arash Nafisi, MD
Primary Care Faculty
Equity, diversity and inclusion work makes me feel more whole and helps our institution become more whole. This work brings us together to share our experiences and advocate for the future of our communities. Simply put, it leads to better health and enhanced wellness for the diverse patient populations that we serve.
Gezman Abdullahi, MD
Primary Care Faculty
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Antiracism is integral in creating a safe space for every individual with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to have a voice. I believe it is vital to ensure a diverse representation to achieve an equitable environment for our patients and medical community, where they feel accepted and supported.
Daniel Georgie, MD
Primary Care Faculty
My passion for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Antiracism efforts is rooted in a desire to increase awareness among medical providers of the unique challenges that people of color might face in accessing and navigating the healthcare system. In doing so, we will be better equipped to address medical mistrust by developing deeper partnerships with our patients and maintaining accountability among providers to deliver compassionate, culturally sensitive care.
What We're Doing
Through the GME Committee
The GME Committee at Olive View has formed a subcommittee on EDI, whose mission is the following:
We are a group of physicians in the Departments of Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center who are committed to creating a supportive environment and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. We pledge to enhance a culture in which everyone can thrive. We seek to shed light on the pervasive nature of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and xenophobia, address structural injustice, confront racial and social disparities, and advocate for health equity through self-reflection, collaboration, education, innovative research, and community engagement.
Integrated in the Curriculum
Residents train in implicit bias and partake in resident-led journal club as part of the curriculum.
In addition, Drs. Georgie and Khidir have taken a lead in implementing the anti-racism curriculum. Topics include:
For those seeking to take action to address health disparities, the Olive View program also offers engagement with local partnerships and state/national advocacy work through the Healthcare Leadership & Advocacy Track.
Across the Health System
LA County is engaged in a broad initiative to champion equity, diversity, inclusion, and antiracism. Dr. Soma Wali, Chair of the Department of Medicine, and Dr. Hana Khidir have taken lead locally to advance these efforts. Olive View is a recognized HRC equality leader, supporting LGBTQ+ patients, staff, and community members. In addition, faculty undergo training in implicit bias as part of faculty development.