In this section
Diversity Advisory Council (DAC)
The charge of the Chicago Medical School (CMS) Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) is to monitor the diversity initiatives for specific outcomes and ensure that these initiatives are consistent with CMS’ strategic plan.
In May 2019, the dean of the medical school established the CMS Diversity Advisory Council to prioritize recruitment, development, retention, and advancement activities of diverse individuals, especially those whose communities are under-represented in medicine (Black or African American, Latina/o/x or Hispanic, and Native American or Indigenous). The DAC strongly encourages the implementation of diverse and inclusive practices to improve cultural humility, communication, teamwork, the ability to address healthcare inequities and health disparities, and problem-solving capabilities of research and clinical teams, all critical components of our medical education.
The members of the council are as follows:
Carl Lawson, PhD, MPH, MA
Director for CMS Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion; Diversity Advisory Council Co-Chair
Héctor Rasgado‑Flores, PhD
Diversity Advisory Council Co-Chair
Myrtis Sullivan, MD
Assistant CMS Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Nutan Vaidya, MD
CMS Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs and Equity (Ex Officio)
Heather Kind‑Keppel, EdD
RFUMS Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Judy Potashkin, PhD
CMS Assistant Dean for Faculty Appointments and Recognition
Edward Rotchford, MNM
CMS Director of Accreditation
Michael Ellison, EdD
Associate Dean for Admissions
Shawna T. Huley
Manager, Diversity Hiring and Outreach
Jamal Turner, MSA, MJ
Coordinator, Diversity
Deborah Smart, MD
Public Physician Representative
Sefonobong Obot, CMS '26
Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Representative
Angelica Arzuaga, CMS '26
Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Representative