2023 - 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Committee Leader Spotlight
Tanesha Beckford, MD, Chair of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2023-2024
Program: Boston Medical Center
Your goal as an EMRA leader: After serving as an EMRA leader for the past 2 years, I have witnessed the importance and the necessity for diverse leadership involvement. Being able to be a part of an inaugural curriculum geared towards addressing the disparities in education and mentorship for underrepresented trainees has certainly reiterated the need to continue the work as an EMRA leader. Adopting a more inclusive framework gives healthcare professionals the tools to work towards creating an equitable future and fostering progressive thinking amongst all trainees. As Chair, I hope to continue to build a culture centered around equity that will inevitably benefit us all.
Why get involved in a professional society? We have faced some pivotal moments within the past few years that have directly impacted the state of Emergency Medicine, and residents all over the country have been a leading voice in advocating for trainees and the future of Emergency Medicine. EMRA has provided the opportunity to create tangible solutions to the gaps that affect our healthcare system. It has been an honor to work with purposeful individuals using EMRA’s platform as a tool to unite various emergency medicine communities across the country.
What's on your playlist? Free Mind - Tems
Daniel Ayorinde, MD, Chair-Elect of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2023-2024
Program:Johns Hopkins University
Your goal as an EMRA leader:
1. To encourage and support current medical students and residents in their journey through medicine.
2. To continue to leverage my position within EMRA to create more opportunities to connect individuals in the pre-health pipeline with mentors who can support their growth and development, with particular emphasis on our underrepresented populations
Top 3 traits of a great leader:
1. Good Listener
2. Advocate
3. Adaptable
What's the last non-textbook you read? 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
What's on your playlist? Pearls- Sade
Jessica André, MD, Vice Chair of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2023-2024
Program: Howard University College of Medicine
Your goal as an EMRA leader:
My goal as an EMRA leader is to continue to advocate for URiM students and residents, amplify voices of diverse leaders in medicine, bring fresh, new, and creative program ideas to the committee, and empower young leaders to remain engaged in career development and community engagement opportunities
What is the best advice you've ever received? Make them remember your name
What's the last non-textbook you read? The Vanishing Half (highly recommend!)
What's on your playlist? Anything from Don Toliver to Paramore to Alabama Shakes
Alejandro Aviña-Cadena, MD, MPH, Vice Chair of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2023-2024
Program: Boston Medical Center
Your goal as an EMRA leader:My goal as a leader within EMRA is to expand on the amazing work already being done within the D&I committee, foster sustainable connections with medical student groups that are URIM and help promote a safe and inclusive working environment for those URIM students once they become EM residents.
What is the best advice you've ever received? Ask for help. No one has gotten to where they are without any type of help - why should you. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not of weakness.
If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: A chef or maybe a teacher!
What's on your playlist? Anything that has a little of Kendrick/Tupac/Biggie & Selena/Bad Bunny/Daddy Yankee
Chandler Ford, MD, Assistant Vice Chair of the EMRA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 2023-2024
Program: University of Connecticut
Your goal as an EMRA leader: As an EMRA leader my goal is to leave the specialty of Emergency Medicine better than I found it. This is accomplished by cultivating a culture of safety and support for URiM residents and faculty, advocating for their equitable treatment and access to opportunities and by unapologetically celebrating the diversity we bring to the specialty of Emergency Medicine.
Why get involved in a professional society? I look forward to connecting and collaborating with residents and faculty across the country that share my passion for diversity equity and inclusion in Emergency Medicine.
What is the best advice you've ever received? "Some days you just have to chop wood and carry water". Our professional and personal lives can throw a lot at us as physicians. When this happens it's important to focus on just doing the next small thing. Soon it will get you through.
If I weren't an emergency physician, I would be: A journalist or food writer.
Related Content
