Culture of Inclusion

Assistant Chair of Inclusion and Wellness

Crystal Johnson-Mann, M.D.

Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion is an integral part of our culture in the department of surgery. Understanding and supporting our differences makes us better clinicians for our patients. We hope that, as you learn more about our program, this commitment is evident.

Crystal Johnson-Mann, Assistant Professor, College of Medicine, Department of Surgery

The University of Florida Department of Surgery values diversity and strives to promote an inclusive, supportive community for all housestaff, faculty, students, and staff. 

 

Our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee (JEDI) was developed in an effort to promote a culture of inclusion and equity at the Department of Surgery.  Through program development, mentoring relationships, recruitment and retention of minority housestaff and faculty, and continuing education on culturally-respectful engagement, we will work to build a community that is supportive and welcoming for all members.

Crystal N Johnson-Mann

Department:

MD-SURGERY-GI-MINIM INVAS SURG

Crystal N Johnson-Mann MD, MPH, FACS, FASMBS

Assistant Professor

Janice A Taylor

Department:

MD-SURGERY-PEDIATRIC

Janice A Taylor MD, MEd

Associate Professor

Robin Petroze

Department:

MD-SURGERY-PEDIATRIC

Robin Petroze MD, MPH

Associate Professor

Kelly M Herremans

Department:

MD-SURGERY-RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Kelly M Herremans MD

University Of Florida College Of Medicine

William J Freeman

Department:

MD-SURGERY-RESIDENCY PROGRAM

William J Freeman MD

University Of Florida College Of Medicine

Craig T Elder

Department:

MD-SURGERY-RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Craig T Elder MD

University Of Utah School Of Medicine

Patrick W Underwood

Department:

MD-SURGERY-RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Patrick W Underwood MD

University Of Michigan Medical School

Andrea N Riner

Department:

MD-SURGERY-RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Andrea N Riner MD, MPH

University Of Maryland School Of Medicine

LGBTQ+ Applicants

Gainesville is a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. There are several queer-owned and operated establishments

four surgeons stand around an operating table

 in the city along wit

h active LGBTQ+ organizations both affiliated with, and independent of, the University of Florida. With several out faculty and residents, the Department of Surgery welcomes diverse applicants at all levels of training. The University of Florida and Alachua County have non-discrimination protections for employment and housing. Co-domiciled same-sex partners are eligible for health insurance through the University of Florida. Please contact the program administration if you have further questions regarding LGBTQ+ life in Gainesville.

Statement of Solidarity: Black Lives Matter

As surgeons, our chosen profession has the power to affect the balance of life and death every day. We became surgeons to improve our patients’ quality of life, or to give them a second chance at living. As healers, it is therefore our mission to prevent harm to those entrusted in our care. We take an oath to do so.

History has not demonstrated the same regard for the sanctity of Black lives. Recently, our country has borne witness to the senseless murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, and the numerous others that preceded them. The national and international outcry from these abhorrent events has been clear—enough is enough.

Words will not return George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others to their loved ones, nor will it change the ideology associated with the events leading to their untimely deaths. Only action will do that.

We in the Department of Surgery at the University of Florida first need to acknowledge the history of discrimination and systemic inequity that exists in healthcare, disproportionately affecting our Black patients, as well as all Black healthcare workers daily. We then need to steadfastly support and foster an environment of diversity and inclusion for our faculty, trainees, medical students, and staff. We must not tolerate any form of systemic racism, bias, or oppression.

As a department, we pledge to move the needle forward, beginning with actionable change to facilitate a sustained shift in mindset and culture around race, gender and discrimination. It is our department’s responsibility to confront bigotry and prejudice authentically. As long as inequity and injustice persist, we must commit to consciously working against it.

We stand firmly with the Black community during these times and realize we must all pull together to support one another. Together we can do better. Together we will do better.