October 9, 2013

Rita K. Adeniran, DrNP, who graduated from Drexel’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program in 2011, is channeling her passion for creating diverse and inclusive healthcare environments into leading the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania’s Fourth Biennial Symposium on Cultural Competence in mid-November. This is an essential part of her role there as the Director for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

“Cultural bias is one of the greatest barriers to human equality,” Adeniran said. “In order to breach disparities, embrace diversity and promote inclusiveness, it is important to raise awareness of individual differences and similarities to a level where people become respectful of one another regardless of their agreement or disagreement with those unique human variables.” The Symposium on Cultural Competence was born out of an initiative founded by Victoria Rich, PhD as a strategic resource in support for diversity, cultural competence, and an inclusive work environment.

“As Dr. Rich retires from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, one way to honor her legacy is to further her ideas on diversity in our everyday interactions with patients and staff,” Adeniran said, who sees Rich as a mentor and inspiration. “Her support has been instrumental in elevating the program to what it is.”

This year, the two-day symposium will focus on the concepts of health disparities, equity and equality. For more information, visit pennmedicine.org/symposium.