Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Culturally Competent Care
What Diversity Means to Us
We serve a medically underserved region of Northern California, and our patients come from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Providing excellent emergency care here requires teams who understand the community, respect individual differences, and communicate effectively with every patient who walks through our doors.
Our program fosters an environment where all residents and faculty feel supported, valued, and empowered to contribute their perspectives. We celebrate the diversity that exists within our residency and faculty, and we believe that when our team reflects the communities we care for, the quality of care improves for everyone.
Culturally Competent Curriculum
Our curriculum is intentionally designed to strengthen residents’ ability to deliver high-quality, culturally informed care. DEI-focused faculty oversee educational content related to:
- Cultural humility and communication
- The impact of social determinants of health on emergency care
- Recognizing unconscious bias and improving clinical decision-making
- Historical examples that have shaped modern trust in the healthcare system
- Simulation experiences centered on caring for diverse and underserved patient populations, including LGBTQ+ and transgender health scenarios
This ongoing training ensures that our graduates are prepared to care for all patients with professionalism, empathy, and cultural awareness.
Growing the Local Physician Workforce
A major part of our mission is to strengthen the physician pipeline within the Central Valley. Many of our medical students, residents, and faculty come from the region or choose to stay here long-term, helping address persistent physician shortages and improving continuity of care for our communities.
We partner with local pathway programs, offer mentorship to students from the Central Valley, and create opportunities for learners who are committed to serving this region. Our focus is on identifying candidates who understand the needs of our patients, share our values, and want to build their careers in this community.
Our Philosophy
At the core of our DEI philosophy is a commitment to:
- Recognizing the role of social determinants of health in shaping emergency care
- Training physicians who can effectively care for diverse, underserved populations
- Cultivating an inclusive learning environment where differences of experience strengthen teamwork and decision-making
- Evaluating all applicants holistically, focusing on their dedication to service, professionalism, and alignment with our mission
We believe that culturally competent emergency physicians improve trust, communication, and outcomes. Our program is dedicated to preparing residents to lead with empathy and provide equitable care to every patient, every time.
