The University of Kansas Medical Center is committed to a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment that accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity, and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and institutional distinction.

The university recognizes that the diversity of our campus community is critical to the excellence of our research and academic programs. We encourage a community that embodies a variety of experiences, expertise and viewpoints.

The university is dedicated to creating a culture in which the inherent worth and dignity of all persons are recognized and community members are meaningfully engaged in contributing their talents, experiences, cultures and skills in the pursuit of KU’s mission. By embracing the diverse and unique attributes of all our members, the university can thrive on a foundation of collaboration, innovation and inclusive excellence. Ultimately, we strive to reach a level of engagement in which every member of the KU community belongs and can actively participate in university life.

The University of Kansas Medical Center prohibits discrimination in the university's programs and activities on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information. The university's nondiscrimination policy extends to employment practices, conditions of employment, personnel actions and all other educational programs and activities of the university and its affiliates. 

In the last several years, the Department of Surgery has focused on several initiatives:

• Unconscious bias training embedded in resident didactics and faculty education
• Formed the DEI Committee (2021) Embedded Cultural Complications curriculum in M&M (2022)
• Initiated holistic review process of residency applications (2022)
• Formed the Wellness Committee (2023)
• Revised residency interview process with enhanced holistic evaluation and revised pre-interview package provided to faculty to be photoless and scoreless (2023)
• Adopted family leave policy (2024)
  • Learn about our Residency Parental Support and Wellness Procedures
• Structured interview process for resident selection (2024)

DEI Committee

The DEI committee, formed in 2021, aims to promote a fair and equitable environment in which all can thrive.

Contact Christa Balanoff (cbalanoff@kumc.edu) for more information or to get involved.

Our team

• Christa Balanoff, M.D., MHPE, FACS, director of DEI Committee
• Stepheny Berry, M.D., FACS, co-director of DEI Committee
• Kara Hessel, M.D., FACS
• Atta Nawabi, M.D., FACS
• Jacob Caleb Shahbandeh, M.D., resident member
• Terra Hill, M.D., resident member

Wellness Committee

The Department of Surgery established the KU Medical Center Surgery Wellness Committee in 2023 to address the well-being needs of faculty, residents and fellows. We strive for a workplace environment that allows each surgeon to achieve personal and professional goals while maintaining individual well-being, developing inclusive, supportive and meaningful interactions that provide high-achieving team collaborations and demonstrate a wellness-centered leadership.

Contact Jennifer Hartwell for more information or to get involved. We also encourage you to explore resources and information available through our clinical partner, The University of Kansas Health System. Please be aware that some of these items may only be available to current employees:

• Wellness resources for physicians and providers
• Ergonomics Training
• Peer support via the HOPE Team. Contact hope@kumc.edu to learn more or be paired with a peer supporter.
• Road Map to Resilience

Professional Development

The Department of Surgery has a robust professional development program for residents, fellows and faculty that focuses on teaching, leadership and career development. Learn about our professional development resources.

Campus and Local Resources

• KU Medical Center Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• KU School of Medicine Office of Student Engagement
• GME wellness hub and GME Committee
• Socially Responsible Surgery KU Medical Center Chapter
• Kansas City highlights

National Organizations

• Association of Women Surgeons
• Association of Out Surgeons and Allies
• Latino Surgical Society
• Society of Black Academic Surgeons
• Society of Asian Academic Surgeons
• American College of Surgeons