Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Office of Inclusion and Health Equity (OIHE) was established by Dr. Arie L. Nettles in 2011 as joint project between Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and the Department of Pediatrics. In 2016, the OIHE expanded to include Vanderbilt University Hospital (the adult hospital) and further extended its reach to the entire medical center in 2018. The OIHE was a flagship effort in advancing our institutional strategic direction of "Making Diversity and Inclusion Intentional."
The name OIHE was strategically developed, as it implies that “All are included; No person is excluded; And everyone at VUMC has a responsibility for health equity.” The intent of OIHE was to appeal to the best in every person by creating a “safe space” where individuals are both seen and heard.
OIHE’s programs and activities centered on four core initiatives:
- Education and training
- Ongoing evaluation and improvement
- Strategic planning and sustainability
- Research and evaluation
Building on the success of the OIHE, its model served as a blueprint for establishing similar offices at peer institutions. The VUMC OIHE framework was replicated at Boston Children’s Hospital in 2017 and Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in 2012.
In May 2024, after successfully achieving its goals, the Office of Inclusion and Health Equity (OIHE) merged with the VUMC Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI). This union aims to further the mission of fostering an inclusive organizational culture where everyone feels welcome.
To learn more about the VUMC Office of Diversity and Inclusion, or to request a consultation or training, visit the ODI website.