Community Engagement, Development, DEI & Economic Development

The Community Health Equity Research Institute Research Day was held in October 2022 at the Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center. Robert J. Gore, a 2002 alumnus of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, was the keynote speaker. Following that was a time for poster presentations and a group discussion.

To ensure ongoing, coordinated and meaningful community engagement, we are focusing on alleviating health disparities in our community.

Two groups — headed by Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences professionals dedicated to community engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion — are involved in the strategic planning:

Buffalo.
Community Engagement

We are active within the Western New York community and throughout the state and the nation. It is our mission to improve the health of populations, communities and individuals — on both a regional to global scale.

Stethoscope and smartphone.
Pathway Programs for Workforce Development/Recruitement/Retention

Our strategic plan includes initiatives preparing and inspiring people from communities underrepresented in medicine (UIM) to join the field of medicine. We plan to strengthen methods for providing more people with skills training, academic, social and emotional support, mentoring and encouragement to enhance their success.

Leading the Effort

Dori R. Marshall, MD ’97, is associate dean and director of medical admissions and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry. A member of the medical school’s admissions committee since 2011, she chairs the school’s Faculty Council Committee on Admissions Policy.

In her role as director of medical admissions, Marshall oversees the acceptance of students to the school. 

Tanya Biscardi, senior program administrator, Office of Accreditation and Quality Improvement, works tirelessly to facilitate inclusivity in the Jacobs School.

She has been the driver of many initiatives and programs implemented in response to the 2020 Students Resolution to promote diversity, inclusion and social justice. She also did extensive work preparing for the school’s last LCME accreditation site visit.

Tonya Biscardi.

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