Message from leadership on racial justice

For physicians, scientists, medical and graduate students, healthcare providers, and all employees, the words “I can’t breathe” should send an alarm and stimulate a discussion about its medical and physiologic causes -- a discussion that should flow freely amongst us trying to seek answers and solutions for underlying conditions that affect people. Those same words uttered by George Floyd as he died under the weight of law enforcement expose underlying conditions that still affect people in the form of police brutality and systemic racism. It is a clear signal that we once again must look inside ourselves both as individuals and as an organization.

Over the last four years, we have made some progress in the areas of diversity and inclusion. Our family better reflects our community. We have more African American students who are striving to become the next generation of physicians than ever before. Additionally, we have a growing number of African American faculty who are serving as mentors to our students and shaping the future of medicine in Mobile and beyond. We created an Office of Diversity and Inclusion with resources to implement change across the college of medicine and health system. However, these are only baby steps. We still have so much more to accomplish.

Increasing numbers and creating access and mentorship is only part of the equation. We must ensure our African American colleagues feel safe in speaking out about social injustices so we do not have an environment where they must suffer in silence. We must move forward so that everyone within our medical school and health system feels he or she can be themselves and bring their unique perspective to the table.

The process is difficult and change takes time. It requires we have difficult conversations. In many cases it requires us to change in some fashion. We implore you to keep talking. Keep asking questions. Keep speaking up. The sharing of information and experiences is an important way to continue to learn and create a future that is better than our past.

We have charged the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) with identifying and addressing areas for improvement in our culture and climate. The ODI will coordinate with the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Medical Education, and the Office of Graduate Education in this process. In addition, it will continue to work with the leaders and managers within the health system. If you would like to reach out to the ODI, you can contact them at ODI@southalabama.edu. These efforts will include the input and work of many and will include the diverse communities within our College and health system. We are committed to listen, learn, and create a better organization that will translate into better interpersonal communication and respect.

John V. Marymont, MD, MBA
Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine

G. Owen Bailey, MHA, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer and Senior Associate Dean for Medical Affairs

Franklin Trimm, MD
Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion and Assistant Vice President for Medical Affairs