Dear Members of the PCOM Community:
In recent days, our College community has been grappling with the death of Walter Wallace Jr. Though we have seen incidences of unrest and looting in the aftermath, we have also seen peaceful protests across our city—calling for accountability, equality and change in our society. We recognize the pain and anguish felt by so many of our students, faculty and staff of color—especially those serving, learning and living in the West Philadelphia community. We stand in unity with the people of West Philadelphia who are our patients, our neighbors and our community.
Sadly, these traumas are nothing new. For years, we have seen clear disparities in justice for people of color, disparities that are mirrored in our healthcare system. And we know, through our work, that we must do our part to move toward a more just and equitable society. We are ever reminded of—and guided by—the PCOM Mission: to support the well-being of our community and our neighbors through service and leadership.
As healthcare professionals, we have a duty to address the roots of racism and inequity that so greatly and negatively impact the health and well-being of underprivileged communities--to help heal and mend the wounds of neglect. Over the past few months, the College has taken important first steps to address these monumental challenges, launching the collaborative President's Council on Equity, Inclusion and Justice to examine ways in which we can advance diversity, equity and inclusion in our policies and practices on our campuses. To this end, we have engaged Path Forward, an external consultant, to work with the Council to advance the PCOM 2025 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan and accelerate the College's diversity, equity and inclusion strategy.
We must continue to work toward achieving these goals. This can only be accomplished, successfully, together.
Jay S. Feldstein, DO '81
President and Chief Executive Officer
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