Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity

The Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity (OCED) was established in 1998 to address the cultural and diversity needs of the school. OCED commits to weaving the broad dimensions of diversity and cultural competency into the schools curriculum, research enterprise and delivery of healthcare. OCED assists in recruiting a diverse student body and faculty and prepares students for leadership roles in the state of Kansas.

The University of Kansas Medical Center, School of Medicine has a variety of programs to provide opportunities for underrepresented or disadvantaged students and minority faculty. Some of the programs for students include professional development seminars; personal, academic and career counseling; and the administration of the programs of the Center of Excellence and Health Careers Pathways Program designed to prepare students for careers in the health professions. The office has formed a partnership with the University of Missouri – Kansas City to administer the Greater Kansas City Health Professions Pipeway Initiative, a bi-state endeavor to provide encouragement and opportunities to minority students in the Kansas City area interested in the health professions and other science-intensive careers.

These programs along with the office’s health care activities provided to the minority and disadvantaged people of Kansas and the Kansas City metropolitan area, are examples of how the KU School of Medicine is emerging as a pioneer in providing opportunities to the youth of our community.

The Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity has also undertaken initiatives on behalf of minority faculty. These include the development of mentoring Programs; facilitation of research; and collaborative efforts with the Office of Professional Development and Faculty Affairs to advance the careers of minority faculty.

Diversity is one of the core values at The University of Kansas Medical Center, School of Medicine. We are deeply committed to creating the very best and most stimulating educational and professional environment for our students and faculty, and delivering the best health care to our patients.