Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The creation of Phi Delta Epsilon was in direct response to discriminatory practices in the medical field. In the first decade of the 20th century, there were significant barriers preventing Jewish students and physicians from completing their medical education or practicing as physicians. There were often quotas on the amount of Jewish students medical schools would accept, and this barrier would not be lifted until after World War II. In 1904, Aaron Brown and eight of his peers decided to create their own medical fraternity, Phi Delta Epsilon, which would be based on philanthropy, deity and equity in order to provide opportunities for Jewish students like themselves.
Here at Phi Delta Epsilon OH Gamma, we accept members of all races, genders, sexualities, religions and beliefs. We recognize that as future physicians, we will not only be treating people of different backgrounds, but also working with them. However, our commitment to acceptance is not contingent on the fact that we are going into healthcare. It is a human right to be treated as equal, to be respected and valued. As people, we have to keep our minds open to the stories and lives of communities and people that do not look like us. When a community articulates an issue that unfairly affects them, we must listen and be allies in alleviating their pain.
Unfortunately, racism is prevalent throughout society and that does not stop in healthcare. Historically, medical education has contributed to the marginalization of underrepresented communities, particularly the Black community. Whether it be through non-consensual and completely unethical practices such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study or the study of Henrietta Lacks’ cells, or the predominance of how medical conditions present on white skin, medicine has been complicit in perpetuating the marginalization of minority groups.
Our chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon is committed to change. We are currently in the process of compiling resources that our members can use to educate themselves. We believe that our members must take it upon themselves to be educated on issues that face marginalized communities. We do not want to participate in epistemic exploitation, which Nora Berenstain refers to as “when privileged persons compel marginalized persons to produce an education or explanation about the nature of the oppression they face.” As future physicians, and as humans, it is our job to be committed to positive change. Our motto is “facta non verba,” meaning “deeds not words.” We intend to follow through with our commitment to diversity and inclusion and being part of the change that is long overdue.
Here at Phi Delta Epsilon OH Gamma, we accept members of all races, genders, sexualities, religions and beliefs. We recognize that as future physicians, we will not only be treating people of different backgrounds, but also working with them. However, our commitment to acceptance is not contingent on the fact that we are going into healthcare. It is a human right to be treated as equal, to be respected and valued. As people, we have to keep our minds open to the stories and lives of communities and people that do not look like us. When a community articulates an issue that unfairly affects them, we must listen and be allies in alleviating their pain.
Unfortunately, racism is prevalent throughout society and that does not stop in healthcare. Historically, medical education has contributed to the marginalization of underrepresented communities, particularly the Black community. Whether it be through non-consensual and completely unethical practices such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study or the study of Henrietta Lacks’ cells, or the predominance of how medical conditions present on white skin, medicine has been complicit in perpetuating the marginalization of minority groups.
Our chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon is committed to change. We are currently in the process of compiling resources that our members can use to educate themselves. We believe that our members must take it upon themselves to be educated on issues that face marginalized communities. We do not want to participate in epistemic exploitation, which Nora Berenstain refers to as “when privileged persons compel marginalized persons to produce an education or explanation about the nature of the oppression they face.” As future physicians, and as humans, it is our job to be committed to positive change. Our motto is “facta non verba,” meaning “deeds not words.” We intend to follow through with our commitment to diversity and inclusion and being part of the change that is long overdue.
Philanthropy
Phi Delta Epsilon is associated with Children's Miracle Network, which is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals worldwide. Our chapter is specifically partnered with a local CMN hospital, which happens to be one of the best pediatric hospitals in the entire country: Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Our main philanthropic event is the annual fundraising banquet. It includes guest speakers, raffles and auctions, and has raised thousands of dollars each year. Phi Delta Epsilon's contributions nationally help fund medical care, research and education that helps save and improve the lives of millions of kids each year. We are constantly seeking ways in which we can grow our contributions and could use your ideas!
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Deity
Each one of our members is very involved throughout Miami's campus and in the community. They act in leadership roles both professionally, personally, and academically. Our brothers are involved in an extremely wide variety of extracurriculars. This includes, but is not limited to, the Miami Swim Team, Varsity Football, 4 Paws for Ability, Tour Guides, MedLife, Global Medical Brigades, College Mentors for Kids, Cru, and Club Paintball. No matter where you are on campus or through the Oxford community, you can find a Phi DE member making a difference. We strive for excellence in all that we do, whether it be in academics, service, or organizations just for fun. We cannot wait to see the diversity and passion you can add to this chapter!
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Equity and Education
Within our Phi Delta Epsilon chapter, we have extremely hard working students who are very successful in balancing their academics. As a group, there is an exceptionally diverse field of majors and minors. Our members are studying anything from Physics, Biology, and Nutrition, to Spanish, History and Music Composition. The chapter as a whole balances rigorous courses with other professional activities like research, shadowing, studying abroad and working. There will always be a friendly Phi DE face in a lab, lecture, or library that would be glad to act as a study buddy or lend a helping hand when it comes to school. We understand that as Pre-Med students, there is a lot of competition - however, we are here to be your comrades!
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