Chicago Medical School
In this section
Diversity Advisory Council (DAC)
The charge of the Chicago Medical School (CMS) Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) is to monitor the diversity initiatives for specific outcomes and ensure that these initiatives are consistent with CMS’ strategic plan.
In May 2019, the dean of the medical school established the CMS Diversity Advisory Council to prioritize recruitment, development, retention, and advancement activities of diverse individuals, especially those whose communities are under-represented in medicine (Black or African American, Latina/o/x or Hispanic, and Native American or Indigenous). The DAC strongly encourages the implementation of diverse and inclusive practices to improve cultural humility, communication, teamwork, the ability to address healthcare inequities and health disparities, and problem-solving capabilities of research and clinical teams, all critical components of our medical education. The DAC is led by the CMS Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, head of the Office of Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion (OEDI).
The members of the council are as follows:
Carl Lawson, PhD, MPH, MA
Interim CMS Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion; RFUMS Director of Interprofessional Global Health; Director of Learning Environment Diversity; Diversity Advisory Council Co-Chair
Héctor Rasgado‑Flores, PhD
Diversity Advisory Council Co-Chair
Nutan Vaidya, MD
CMS Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs and Equity (Ex Officio)
Heather Kind‑Keppel, EdD
RFUMS Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Judy Potashkin, PhD
CMS Assistant Dean for Faculty Appointments and Recognition
Edward Rotchford, MNM
CMS Director of Accreditation
Michael Ellison, EdD
Associate Dean for Admissions
Kate Nelson
RFUMS Human Resources Hiring Coordinator
Jamal Turner, MSA, MJ
Coordinator, Diversity
Deborah Smart, MD
Public Physician Representative
Devondre Juzang, CMS '24
Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Representative
Juan Medina‑Echeverria, CMS '25
Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Representative