Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for faculty, staff, medical students, and our patients. We recognize the immense value of diverse voices and believe that equity and inclusivity are at the heart of a strong community.

DEI News


Orthopedic Surgery Diversity Scholarship launches at UW

The University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation is proud to sponsor a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)-focused scholarship opportunity for month-long sub-internships in orthopedic surgery.

Offered to two rising 4th-year medical students per year, the scholarship will provide each recipient with $2500 to offset fees, transportation, lodging, and other costs incurred during their four-week rotation.

At the University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for faculty, staff, medical students, and our patients. We recognize the immense value of diverse voices and believe that equity and inclusivity are at the heart of a strong community.

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Women are Closing the Gender Gap in Orthopedic Surgery at UW

Orthopedic surgery continues to be the most male-dominated field in medicine. Currently, just 7.4% of orthopedic surgeons and 16% of orthopedic surgery residents in the United States are women.

We are proud to share the strides we’ve made in moving that needle. Today, 35% of our orthopedic surgeons and 30% of our orthopedic surgery residents are women.

And we will not stop there.

We recognize and value the strength, determination, and leadership of the women physicians on our faculty and in our residency programs – and the outstanding care they provide to our patients every day.

DEI Resources


DEI Employee Resource Groups at UW Health

Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation faculty, staff, residents, and fellows are invited to participate in UW Health’s voluntary, employee-led Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

ERGs focus on the experiences and perspectives of people of a particular race, ethnic or cultural background, gender, gender identity, religion, age cohort, sexual orientation, history of disabilities, military services, or other affinities. Participation provides opportunities to network, pursue professional and personal development, foster community, and support education and initiatives aimed at enhancing equity and inclusion.

The first five ERG pilots are African American/Black, LGBTQ+, Women’s Leadership Group, Military Service Membership, and Latinx.

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More UW Health Diversity Resources


UW School of Medicine and Public Health on DEI

The School of Medicine and Public Health is committed to being a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, LGBTQ+ and non-binary identities, women, persons with disabilities, military service members, and veterans are strongly encouraged.

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Diversity at UW-Madison

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW–Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community.

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Nth Dimensions

Nth Dimensions was founded in 2004 by orthopaedic surgeons working collaboratively with academic institutions, community surgeons, and industry to address the dearth of women and underrepresented minorities (URMs) in orthopaedic surgery. The overarching goal of Nth Dimensions is to address and eliminate healthcare disparities for all communities. The primary mission is to provide resources, expertise, and experience, through developing and implementing strategic pipeline initiatives.

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J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society

The mission of the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society (JRGOS) is to increase diversity within the orthopaedic profession and promote the highest quality musculoskeletal care for all people.

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Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society

THE RUTH JACKSON ORTHOPAEDIC SOCIETY (RJOS) was founded in 1983 as a support and networking group for the growing number of women orthopaedic surgeons. The women at the first meeting felt that there were many common problems confronting them, which could best be solved by pooling resources. These range from sharing technical solutions for practice problems to how to survive motherhood and orthopaedic practice/residency at the same time. The RJOS began with 42 women and has grown to a membership of more than 1,000. The majority is from North America, with international female orthopaedists included.

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The Forum – for women in Sports Medicine

The Forum is comprised of renowned leaders in sports medicine and women who are pioneers in the treatment of sports related injuries. Goals include “the betterment of the scope and services of women in orthopedic surgery with a major emphasis on arthroscopy and sports medicine. Collaborated group clinical research and reporting is encouraged. In addition, the organization promotes and stimulates “interest and research in these areas, as well as advances in orthopedic technology.”

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DEI Events on Campus


A calendar of all upcoming DEI events on campus.

UW Academic Calendar & Religious Observances

The UW–Madison academic calendar and a listing, though not exhaustive, of religious holidays.


Upcoming DEI Events at UW-Madison


Recent Featured Events

Diversity Forum

November 14 & 15, 2023
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Varsity Hall, Union South

This year UW–Madison’s Diversity Forum will take place November 14 and 15, 2023, both online and in person at Union South. The theme for the 2023 conference will be Bridging the Divide: Realizing Belonging While Engaging Difference; in an effort to understand how we embrace shared problem-solving and engage in constructive dialogue across a broad range of differences, from political to cultural to religious and more, to create living and learning communities characterized by a sense of inclusion and belonging.

The annual Diversity Forum is the premier training and working session for diversity and inclusion topics, building on over 50 years of UW initiatives designed to make the university more inclusive. Hosted by the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement, the Diversity Forum features engaging speakers, presentations, and panel discussions on topics ranging from best practices for fostering inclusive, equitable, and accessible classrooms to expanding and deepening our understanding of American and world history.

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2023 Women in Medicine and Science Symposium

November 28, 2023
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Health Sciences Learning Center (HSLC) Room 1306
750 Highland Ave

RSVP by November 20

Empowering Change is the theme of the 2023 UW School of Medicine and Public Health Group on Women in Medicine and Science Symposium and third annual GWIMS Awards Ceremony. Organized by the UW–Madison chapter of the Group on Women in Medicine and Science, this free event will include keynote speakers, panel discussions, and an awards presentation.

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