Welcome to "Humans of CDI" – a monthly feature designed to not only showcase the remarkable individuals in our community but also to emphasize the crucial role they play in actualizing our mission. At the MGH Center for Diversity and Inclusion, we are dedicated to building a diverse workforce and fostering a culture of inclusion and respect where all can feel a profound sense of belonging. Through the stories and experiences shared by the members of our community, you'll witness firsthand how they contribute to the realization of our mission and the creation of a more inclusive world.
August 2024
Erica T. Warner, ScD, MPH
Assistant Investigator, Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Mass General Research Institute
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Meet Dr. Erica Warner, Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and Assistant Investigator at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her innovative research in cancer epidemiology examines how lifestyle, behavior, and genetics influence cancer outcomes, with a focus on health disparities. Discover how the CDI Physician/Scientist Development Award has advanced her work, her commitment to mentoring future PhD scientists, and her passion for supporting underrepresented faculty in medicine.
July 2024
As we eagerly await the 2024 SRTP Student Final Research Presentations, we invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable journeys of two of our 2023 alumni, Jarius Garner and Elise Dornbusch. Their experiences in the Summer Research Trainee Program (SRTP) offer a glimpse into the profound change and growth that the SRTP fosters. As Jarius says, “In the SRTP, I found not just a mentor, but a guide who understood the challenges and aspirations of someone like me."
Learn more about Jarius and Elise
June 2024
Onyinyechi Eke, MD, MPH
Emergency Medicine
Faculty and Director, Global Ultrasound, Mass General Hospital
Explore Dr. Onyinyechi Eke’s impactful journey as Faculty and Director of Global Ultrasound in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Mass General. Her pioneering work includes teaching point-of-care ultrasound globally and conducting research in resource-limited settings. Learn how the CTDA award enhanced her career and how her Nigerian heritage fuels her dedication, from organizing virtual ultrasound courses during the COVID-19 pandemic to advancing global health and medical education.
May 2024
J. Sawalla Guseh, II, MD
Cardiologist
Director, Cardiovascular Performance Program, Mass General Hospital
Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School
This month’s Humans of CDI features Dr. J. Sawalla Guseh, who hosted our May Chester Pierce Research Society Speaker. As the Director of the Cardiovascular Performance Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Guseh explores the intersection of human aerobic fitness and cardiovascular health. Learn about the pivotal role of CDI's support in shaping his career, his groundbreaking contributions to sports cardiology, and his commitment to diversity in medical research.
April 2024
Adeline A. Boatin, MD, MPH
Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Assistant Professor in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, HMS
Co-Director of Global Health, Department OB/GYN, MGH
This month’s Humans of CDI highlights Dr. Adeline Boatin, an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, OB/GYN at MGH, and Co-Director of Global Health in her department. Discover her pioneering efforts in peripartum care, her dedication to advancing maternal health equity, and how CDI has influenced her innovative use of technology in global healthcare.
March 2024
Yakeel T. Quiroz, PhD
Paul B. and Sandra M. Edgerley MGH Research Scholar 2020-2025
Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital
Associate Professor of Psychology,
Harvard Medical School
Celebrate Women's History Month by exploring the journey of Dr. Yakeel Quiroz, an award-winning neuroscientist and champion for women in science. From her roots in Colombia to her leading role in groundbreaking research at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Quiroz's story is one of resilience, mentorship, and unwavering advocacy for women in science.
February 2024
Alister Martin, MD, MPP
Emergency Medicine
Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School Founder, Get Waivered
Founder, VotER
Discover the inspiring story of Dr. Alister Martin, MD, MPP, an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and founder of Get Waivered and VotER. Recognized as one of the AAMC's 8 Prominent Black Leaders in Medicine for 2024, Dr. Martin's transformative work focuses on reshaping healthcare paradigms and addressing critical social determinants of health. Keep reading to learn more about his journey and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
December 2023
Alexy Arauz Boudreau, MD, MPH
Primary Care Physician
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School
Associate Chief of Pediatrics for Primary Care
MGHfC Medical Director for Population Health Management
Meet Dr. Alexy Arauz Boudreau, an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Associate Chief of Pediatrics for Primary Care. Discover her impactful work in transforming pediatric primary care practices, addressing health disparities, and promoting diversity and inclusion. To learn more about her journey, the impact of the PSDA/CTDA award on her career, and the influence of her heritage, keep reading.
November 2023
Cesar Castro, MD, MMSc
CDI Faculty Co-Director for Research
Program Director, Gynecologic Oncology
Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Embark on the journey of Dr. Cesar Castro, MD, MMSc, from his early days as an SRTP alum to his current role as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of Gynecologic Oncology at the MGH Cancer Center. Discover his contributions to molecular imaging, the significance of SRTP in fostering diversity, and the pivotal role of CDI in the landscape of academic medicine.
October 2023
Axana Rodriguez-Torres, MD, MPH
Internal Medicine Primary Care (PGY 3)
MGH CDI Summer Research Trainee Program (SRTP) Alum
Education and Career Development Officer (2022-2023), CDI Resident and Fellow Committee
Meet Dr. Axana Rodriguez-Torres, a PGY3 resident, CDI Summer Research Trainee Program alum, and Education and Career Development Officer for the CDI Resident and Fellow Committee. From restarting medical education to advocating for equitable healthcare, explore her journey and commitment to true equity. Keep reading to discover more about her story and vision for accessible healthcare.
September 2023
Abner Louissant, MD, PhD
Medical Director, Core Laboratory, Hematology
Assistant Pathologist, Massachusetts General Hospital
Associate Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School
Explore the groundbreaking research in lymphoma and the profound influence of Dr. Abner Louissaint, Jr. MD, PhD's immigrant heritage on his journey as an Associate Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School, in this illuminating interview.
August 2023
Wendy Macias-Konstantopoulos, MD, MPH, MBA
Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO)
Discover the remarkable journey of Dr. Wendy Macias-Konstantopoulos, Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Massachusetts General Hospital, as she shares her unwavering efforts to transform healthcare for the better in this insightful interview.
July 2023
Sandra M Saade-Lemus, MD
PGY-4, Harvard MGH/BWH Neurology Residency
Vice Chair, Center for Diversity and Inclusion's Resident and Fellow Committee
Sandra Saade-Lemus, a senior neurology resident at Harvard's MGH/BWH program and Vice Chair for CDI's Resident and Fellow Committee, shares her immigrant journey, her commitment to cultural competence, and her passion for building a supportive community for UiM trainees at MGH.
June 2023
Alexy Arauz Boudreau, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School
Associate Chief of Pediatrics for Primary Care
MGHfC Medical Director for Population Health Management
Meet Dr. Alexy Arauz Boudreau: A Harvard-trained pediatrician leading the charge in transforming healthcare for vulnerable children and championing diversity, all while bridging differences through her unique heritage.
May 2023
Jose Florez, MD, PhD
Chair, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital
Dr. Jose C. Florez, Chief of the Endocrine Division and Diabetes Unit at MGH, reflects on his career and the importance of true equity in healthcare, sharing insights on his proudest moments, his family, and his favorite movie and book.
April 2023
Giovanni (Vanni) Rodriguez, MD
2023-2024 Resident and Fellow Committee Chair, MGH Center for Diversity & Inclusion
Discover the inspiring journey of Vanni Rodriguez, a first-generation Mexican American, rising Chief Resident, and Vice Chair of CDI's Resident and Fellow Committee, as she shares her dedication to building a diverse and inclusive community at Mass General.
March 2023
Elena Olson, JD
Executive Director, MGH Center for Diversity & Inclusion
Join us for an inspiring Women's History Month edition of Humans of CDI as Elena Olson, JD, the Executive Director of MGH Center for Diversity and Inclusion, reflects on her journey, the women who have inspired her, and the challenges and progress for women, especially women of color, during her 22 years at MGH.
February 2023
Ernesto Gonzalez-Martinez, MD
Dermatologist, Massachusetts General Hospital
Professor of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School
Meet Dr. Ernesto Gonzalez-Martinez, the pioneer of photochemotherapy for dermatologic disorders, who has dedicated his career to advancing healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine.
December 2022
Michelle Diop, MD, ScM
2022-2023 Resident and Fellow Committee Chair, MGH Center for Diversity & Inclusion
Meet Michelle S. Diop, MD, ScM, Chair of the Resident and Fellow Committee at CDI, and discover her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and her passion for building a strong UiM community at MGH.
November 2022
Carlos Torres
Associate Director for Learning and Education, MGH Center for Diversity & Inclusion
Meet Dr. Carlos Torres, a pediatrician with a passion for diversity, equity, and education, as he shares his inspiring journey from Mexico to MGH and the impact of the CTDA award on his career in this captivating interview.
September 2022
Will Curry, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Massachusetts General Hospital and Massachusetts General Physicians’ Organization
Discover the transformational journey of Dr. William Curry, MD, from leading neurosurgical oncology to serving as Chief Medical Officer, and learn how he envisions a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for MGH and its workforce.
August 2022
Marcela del Carmen, MD, MPH
President, Massachusetts General Physicians Organization
Executive Vice President, Mass General Brigham
Discover the remarkable journey of Dr. Marcela del Carmen, President of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, as she shares her commitment to equity, the influence of her Nicaraguan heritage, and her vision for healthcare.
July 2022
Cesar Castro, MD, MMSc
Faculty Co-Director for Research, MGH Center for Diversity & Inclusion
Meet Dr. Cesar Castro, a gynecologic oncology expert with a surprising 'midlife crisis car' revelation, who shares insights on CDI's transformative journey at MGH and his vision for supporting UiM investigators.
June 2022
Leah Gordon, DNP, RN, CNP, FNP-C
Meet Leah Gordon, a dedicated professional at MGH. Leah's extensive nursing background and strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion make her a valuable contributor to the department, where she plays an essential role in advancing these important initiatives.
May 2022
Win Williams, Jr., MD
Founding Director, emeritus, MGH Center for Diversity & Inclusion
In a celebration of CDI's 30th anniversary, Dr. Winfred W. Williams, the founding director, reflects on the vision that started it all – addressing underrepresentation in medicine at Mass General Hospital, and his proudest achievement: CDI's exponential growth and transformative impact over the decades, establishing a model for institutions nationwide.
April 2022
Sherri-Ann Burnett-Bowie, MD, MPH
Associate Director, MGH Center for Diversity & Inclusion
Sherri-Ann Burnett-Bowie, MD, MPH, Associate Director at the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, shares her journey from medicine to mineral physiology research and diversity work at MGH, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and paying it forward.
Jocelyn Carter, MD, MPH
Manager of Trainee Affairs, MGH Center for Diversity & Inclusion
Jocelyn Carter, MD, MPH, Manager of Trainee Affairs at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, shares her journey from being a hospitalist and clinician-educator to joining CDI, where she passionately works to address training and career equity for students, trainees, and faculty.
March 2022
Karen Osborne Greene
Administrative Director for Research, MGH Center for Diversity & Inclusion (CDI)
Meet Karen Osborne Greene, the Administrative Director for Research at CDI, whose inspiring journey and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion have made her a valuable pioneer at MGH, advocating for underrepresented communities and inspiring the next generation.
Julie Price, PhD
Faculty Co-Director for Research, MGH Center for Diversity & Inclusion
Meet Julie Price, PhD, an accomplished researcher, educator, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion at MGH, who shares her inspiring journey and offers valuable advice to aspiring researchers and scientists.