The UAB Heersink School of Medicine announces the opening of a new office: the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Office of Access & Engagement (OAE). The office will advise the dean and lead the strategic direction of the school’s programs and policies intended to identify and address barriers to success. It will promote an open and accessible environment for all students, faculty, and staff, ensuring every individual can thrive and contribute meaningfully to excellence in health care and science at UAB.
"To achieve excellence in medicine, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where all perspectives are embraced, and every faculty member, staff member, and learner is empowered," said Anupam Agarwal, M.D., dean of the Heersink School of Medicine. "The new Office for Access & Engagement will help us meet those goals."
Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH, has been appointed as senior associate dean for Access & Engagement in the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, and Raegan W. Durant, M.D., MPH, will serve as associate dean for Access & Engagement. Under their leadership, the OAE will oversee various initiatives, programs, and activities to promote success for everyone in the medical school.
“I’m looking forward to leading efforts at the school to reimagine and innovate opportunities for our outstanding faculty, staff, and students,” said Fouad. “The Heersink Office of Access & Engagement will focus on strengthening pathways to success and fostering engagement for all every day. By ensuring open and equal access to the resources and support necessary for our members to thrive, we aim to have lasting benefits for Birmingham, Alabama, and beyond.”
The Heersink School of Medicine OAE will:
- Implement, evaluate, and refine the Heersink School of Medicine Strategic Plan related to access and engagement.
- Stay informed about university and Heersink policies, protocols, guidance, and procedures related to access and engagement, recommending and advising on necessary revisions.
- Support student recruitment and engagement activities both online and in person to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities.
- Identify and address barriers to success, creating a welcoming and supportive environment, and collaborating with others to provide resources, programs, and networks.
- Offer seminars, workshops, and community dialogue sessions focused on access and engagement.
- Work closely with Heersink departments, as well as undergraduate and graduate medical education.
- Partner with key institutional offices and support units, such as the Faculty Affairs Office, Ombuds Office, and Title IX Office, to advance Heersink’s access and engagement initiatives.
Earlier this year, changes to state and federal laws resulted in adjustments to the legal landscape in higher education, requiring the closure of all Offices for Diversity and Inclusion across the UAB campus.
The establishment of the Heersink OAE is part of a broader initiative across UAB, representing a significant step forward in fulfilling the mission to positively impact as many lives as possible. The Heersink School of Medicine is committed to creating a welcoming environment where all perspectives are valued, and all team members and students have access to the resources, programs, and networks that support their success.