Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Vision

At Massachusetts General Hospital, we believe that because of diversity we excel; through inclusion we respect; focused on equity we serve, heal, educate, and innovate. In the Department of Radiation Oncology, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion is engrained in our mission to advance patient care, education, and research. Our goal is to foster a welcoming environment where both patients and staff have a sense of belonging by promoting culturally inclusive behavior and activities with opportunities to learn from others. We remain deeply committed to each staff member and all patients regardless of race, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, creed, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and ancestry.

"Given the rapidly diversifying US cancer population, as a department, we must be equipped with tools and perspectives needed to address the persistent health inequities documented in cancer care. Focused resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) that permeate all levels and role groups are key, as everyone contributes to a culture of diversity and belonging."

Sophia Kamran, MD
Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Radiation Oncology

Read a Q&A with Dr. Kamran about her role as director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Department of Radiation Oncology.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council

Under the leadership of the Director of DE&I, the Mass General Radiation Oncology DE&I Advisory Council guides patient care initiatives, community outreach, and employee resource groups dedicated to reducing disparities, dismantling racism, and fostering an environment of belonging.

Patient Care Initiatives

Identities Project
The Mass General Radiation Oncology Identities Project is focused on collecting sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) information for all our patients. Understanding a patient’s SOGI data enables us to provide respectful and culturally competent care.

Community Outreach

Mass General Youth Scholars
We are proud to partner with the Mass General Center for Community Health Improvement to expose local high school students to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Summer Research Trainee Program (SRTP)
We are proud to partner with the Mass General Center for Diversity and Inclusion to host students who are members of a group that is underrepresented in medicine (UiM) as part of the Summer Research Trainee Program.

BOTSwana Oncology Global Outreach Program (BOTSOGO)
Mass General Radiation Oncology works to improve access to quality cancer care in Botswana through a growing collaboration between physicians and other healthcare professionals in Boston and Botswana. The group’s goal is to improve access to quality cancer care in Botswana by educating the Botswana population, training future generations of cancer caregivers, and conducting vital clinical research.

Employee Resource Groups

STAND Committee
The Radiation Oncology STAND Committee exists as a support network within the department to ensure care is being delivered in a safe and respectful environment for all patients, visitors, and staff. The committee is comprised of department leaders who help support, train, and advise staff as well as notify those displaying disruptive behavior of the hospital’s behavior expectations helping to de-escalate the situation.

Coalition Against Racism
The Radiation Oncology Coalition Against Racism is a group for members of the department who are dedicated to advancing racial justice, at Mass General and beyond, by promoting education, uplifting Black, Indigenous, and people of color’s (BIPOC) voices, and empowering all to be active participants in the fight against racism.

LGBTQ+ and Allies
The LGBTQ+ and Allies group seeks to build community within our department and to work together to reduce health disparities and create a welcoming environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or other identities (LGBTQ+).

Women in Radiation Oncology
The Women in Radiation Oncology group was established with the mission to identify and address issues that disproportionately impact women in Radiation Oncology. Additionally, this group strives to highlight female contributions to the field through activities such as the Karen Doppke Award for Women in Medical Physics, participating in the #WeWhoCurie campaign, and more.

Physics Division DE&I Committee
The Mass General Radiation Oncology Physics Division strives to increase opportunities for underrepresented groups and develop strong professionals, not only for our division but throughout the global community of Medical Physics. Efforts include a DE&I Fellowship in Medical Physics, participation in the MGH Youth Scholars program, and more.