Detroit Mercy PA Program Commitment to Diversity
The Detroit Mercy PA program is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. This commitment aligns with our mission to ensure no student is denied access to education based on gender, race, religion, national origin, or economic status. Our program exceeds the national averages for diversity in both student and faculty representation. While proud of our progress, we acknowledge the need to further increase representation. By fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, we support our goals by cultivating an inclusive learning environment, striving to eliminate barriers to student success, and promoting a culture where all individuals can thrive.
Our commitment to increasing diversity spans from university-wide efforts to program-specific initiatives. At the university level, Detroit Mercy has implemented several initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion. These initiatives include our Multicultural Student Advisory Board, The League—which provides self-identified Black male students with mentors—and Detroit Mercy Sisterhood, which supports self-identifying women of color. Additionally, Detroit Mercy’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, spearheaded by Kristin Johnston, M. Ed, offers workshops across campus covering topics such as diversity, identity and bias, microaggressions, ally-ship, and privilege.
Detroit Mercy PA program, headed by department chairperson Amy Dereczyk, Ph. D., PA-C, has implemented several initiatives to attract students from underrepresented communities and backgrounds. These efforts include active recruitment and outreach to Detroit area high schools, such as Northwestern High School, Renaissance High School, Cass Technical High School, and Crockett High School of the Arts and Sciences. These visits aim to increase awareness of the PA profession and create pathways for diverse students to join the PA profession and return to their community as dedicated PAs. Additional program recruitment efforts include participating in the PAEA Diversity Recruitment Fair and hosting a virtual informational session with The PAC (Physician Assistants of Color) to attract diverse applicants nationwide. Moreover, program initiatives include a move towards holistic admissions by incorporating the CASPer test into our admissions process. Detroit Mercy has also implemented mandatory yearly implicit bias training for faculty and students. Aligning with our mission of a student-centered approach, Detroit Mercy continuously strives to promote culturally competent teaching methods and curriculum advancements.
In our efforts to promote diversity, the Detroit Mercy PA program has championed student initiatives such as the Future Healthcare Leaders Mentoring Program, led by clinical year student Sarah Nasher, PA-S. This initiative aims to increase the acceptance of Detroit youth into PA programs by offering assistance with college applications, interview preparation, SAT/ACT preparation, and study skills. This year, Detroit Mercy initiated the PA Student Support Group, led by didactic PA students Batoule Yassine, PA-S, and Kenneth Schmidtke, PA-S. This support group offers a safe space for students to share experiences and challenges encountered while in the program. Moreover, this year, Detroit Mercy will recognize a clinical year student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in addressing equity, diversity, and inclusion by awarding them the Diversity Champion Award at our white coat ceremony.
Detroit Mercy’s efforts to increase diversity extend beyond admissions, encompassing a student-centered educational approach and active community engagement. A diverse student body enriches PA education by bringing varied perspectives into the classroom. In collaboration with leadership and campus-wide initiatives, Detroit Mercy remains committed to continuously improving our inclusivity efforts. This ongoing process keeps the program at the forefront of inclusivity in PA education.