Washington University School of Medicine will lead in advancing human health through the promotion of wellness and delivery of outstanding health care, innovative research and the education of tomorrow’s leaders in biomedicine within a culture that supports diversity, inclusion, critical thinking and creativity.
In leading the advancement of human health, it is the mission of Washington University School of Medicine to cultivate excellence and collegiality within an equitable and inclusive community; to attract, develop, advance and support a diverse and talented current and future workforce; to innovate through discoveries and inventions in basic, clinical, translational and population sciences; and to build and support an environment that fosters exceptionally creative research, health care, education and the well-being of our workforce. We draw on our academic excellence and scientific rigor to continually advance and enhance health care in a way that ensures access, compassion, high value, equity and evidence-based care for all people in our community, including those who are underserved and uninsured. We resolve to observe the highest standards of ethics, integrity and humanity across all of our missions, and to apply advances in research, education and health care for the betterment of the human condition, locally and globally.
Educating tomorrow’s leaders in biomedicine involved reimagining a medical curriculum that fosters both self-directed and team-based learning. The Gateway Curriculum, implemented in 2020, provides exposure to research and advocacy in basic science, clinical-translational science, public and population health, primary care, and the social sciences, as well as longitudinal experiences with patients in community-based settings. Such a dynamic curriculum enables students to create new science that will enrich the health of our community, while becoming empathic practitioners who will commit to eliminating intractable and unconscionable health disparities. Our Gateway Curriculum ensures that our students are not only exceptional physicians, but that they understand the social and structural determinants of health and are prepared to lead transformational changes needed to improve our future. The Explore program within Gateway is a formalized approach to career development that helps students find their niche in academic medicine among four pathways–Advocacy/Global Health, Education, Innovation, and Research.
The Office of Diversity Programs, in its 26th year, operates under a social justice framework that highlights the importance of providing culturally aware, equitable and compassionate care for all. Active, long-term community engagement is one way we execute our social justice mission. Diversity Programs works closely with the Office of Medical Education to provide counseling and support services, resources, and meaningful, longitudinal community partnerships for our medical students.
Our Office of Admissions operates under a holistic framework, and the Office of Student Affairs strives to provide an inclusive learning environment. Students from minoritized groups are supported by active chapters of the Student National Medical Association, Latino Medical Student Association, Asian Pacific American Student Association, and a network of residents and faculty from diverse groups. As an example, students identifying as a gender or sexual minority have access to LGBTQmed, a student-run interest group dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer identity and health, as well as OUTmed, an organization for LGBTQIA-identified faculty, residents, fellows and staff.
A network of faculty coaches facilitates students’ navigation through the curriculum and ensures that our students are reaching their full personal and professional potential. The Career Counseling Office works closely with students to explore the possibilities for graduate medical training and careers.