Name: Hajar Bariami
Year: 4th
Major: Biological Sciences
Position: Media Coordinator
Biography: Being from Los Angeles, I have always been interested in learning more about minimizing the disparities I witness. The Diversity in Medicine Course has been an important part of my journey towards becoming a healthcare professional that works with underserved communities and strives for health equity. In addition to being a part of the DIM team, I am a Blood Donor Ambassador for the Red Cross, volunteering at local blood drives. In my free time, I love going to the beach with family and friends, watching movies, and exploring new places.
What Diversity Means to Me: To me, diversity means that people from all backgrounds are included and heard in the conversations we have. Diversity is not just meeting a quota or checking off a requirement, but it is making sure that people from various communities feel that their contributions are valued and taken into account. Diversity is recognizing and respecting our differences without letting them get in the way of working together and learning from each other.
What I Gained From the Class: DIM has taught me about the multitude of disparities in healthcare and how they intersect with other societal disparities, including those in income, housing, and education. Unfortunately, structural inequities, racism, and discrimination affect the treatment and care patients receive. The speakers presented ways in which we can structurally and individually alleviate and minimize these inequities. This class has confirmed my passion for becoming a culturally competent healthcare provider.