Setting the standard for inclusion

From celebrating cultural traditions to shaping inclusive policies, the Department of Pathology’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Committee is redefining what equity and belonging look like in medical education. 

Over the past year, the EDIA Committee’s work has gone beyond symbolic gestures to create meaningful change. By embedding equity into departmental priorities and championing accessibility, they’ve positioned the Department of Pathology as a model for inclusive practice across the Faculty of Medicine.

Celebrating cultural traditions like Lunar New Year, Diwali, Ramadan, and Eid have become a cornerstone of this approach, transforming events into opportunities for connection and understanding. These moments, combined with initiatives such as inclusive leadership development and collaborative partnerships, reflect a commitment to making equity a shared responsibility rather than a checkbox.

Department of Pathology Residents and Fellows Eid-al-Adha 2024. (Photo: Dr. Rumana Rafiq)

Beyond events, the Committee’s work is deeply structural. Flexible communication channels including email updates, one-on-one meetings, twice-yearly Zoom sessions, and a resource-rich departmental website, keep EDIA front and center. Educational programming delivered through Grand Rounds and Education Rounds has tackled critical topics such as anti-racist blood donor systems, culturally sensitive autopsy consent, and gender equity in science, ensuring that conversations about inclusion translate into action.

Driving change across the institution

The EDIA Committee’s influence extends well beyond departmental boundaries. Members actively contribute to institutional priorities through participation in key groups such as the Departmental Academic Advisory Committee, the Faculty EDIA Leads Group, and the Division of Anatomical Pathology Wellness and Green Health Care Committee—providing regular updates and ensuring alignment with broader Faculty goals.

Alongside these collaborations, the Committee champions initiatives that make inclusion tangible. EDIA principles are integrated into CaRMS match interviews, and the Department has funded materials to create a dedicated prayer space for residents, with alternate accommodations available in the Centennial Building. The team also reviews annual Dalhousie EDIA statistics to track progress and identify gaps, while following the Academic Recruitment Policy developed in 2021 and the EDIA Goals in Education introduced in 2023 to guide hiring and curriculum development.

As the Committee moves into 2025–2026, its focus remains on consistency and intentionality. In addition to sustaining current initiatives, the Department will participate in the Faculty of Medicine’s EDIA survey, an important step toward identifying unmet needs and shaping future priorities. By fostering a culture where equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are embedded in every decision, the Committee continues to set a standard of excellence for the Faculty of Medicine.