Office of Multicultural Affairs
Commitment to Diversity
Recognizing that the full diversity of the American population is not represented by the physician workforce, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is committed to the recruitment and retention of a diverse class of students.
About the Office of Multicultural Affairs
The Office of Multicultural Affairs works to ensure a supportive academic environment for underrepresented minorities at our school. Among the nation's highest ranked medical schools, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine has achieved one of the most diverse student bodies.
- "The Changing Face of Medicine," a discussion of diversity at the Pritzker School of Medicine, highlighting Dr. William A. McDade - Medicine on the Midway, Spring 2008
- "Pritzker Program Hopes to Spark Interest in Medicine in High School Students" - Chicago Tribune, January 25, 2009
- "A Mentor Celebrates 20 Years at Pritzker," honoring Rosita Ragin's service to the Pritzker School of Medicine - The Forefront
- Pritzker Class Composition
The Office of Multicultural Affairs oversees the Bowman Society Lecture Series, an NIH-sponsored summer research program for first year medical students, and three NIH-sponsored pipeline programs designed to prepare and inspire talented undergraduate students and high schoolers interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.
Monica Vela, MD
Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs
Associate Professor Medicine
Dr. Vela is deeply enmeshed in supporting and advocating for diversity throughout the institution. As Director of the innovative Health Care Disparities in America course, Dr. Vela introduces all first-year students to many ongoing issues that affect underserved populations. She serves as a visible leader and faculty advisor to multiple student organizations - including the Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program and the Latino Medical Student Association. Her advocacy efforts extend to our faculty and residents, as Dr. Vela serves as the Associate Vice Chair for Diversity in the Department of Medicine. In this role, Dr. Vela works to improve recruitment, retention, scholarship, leadership, and mentorship of qualified minority students, residents and fellows, and faculty in an environment rich with cultural awareness, and sensitivity.
Rosita Ragin
Assistant Dean for Multicultural Affairs
Assistant Dean Ragin has more than 29 years of experience working in medical education. For the past 22 years, she has worked at Pritzker with medical and graduate students with a special focus on recruiting and retaining medical school students in order to increase diversity in medicine. Assistant Dean Ragin is responsible for advising Pritzker students, recruiting medical school students, organizing three summer pipeline programs, and administering grants from the National Heart Lung Blood Institute and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. During her time at the University of Chicago, Assistant Dean Ragin has worked to improve the quality of life for Pritzker students by providing a consistent core of caring accompanied by an open door to students.
