The Diversity Committee was established by Dr. Joe “Skip” Garcia on his arrival to the University of Chicago in 2005, as Chairman of the Department of Medicine. The goal of the Committee is to build upon the long tradition of excellence in the fields of clinical care, research and education by working to improve diversity among all programs in the Department of Medicine. In addition, the Diversity Committee serves to focus and promote Department activities that improve recruitment, retention, scholarship, leadership, and mentorship of qualified minority students, house staff and faculty in an environment rich with cultural awareness, and sensitivity.