Diversity & Inclusion
The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine recognizes, values, and affirms that diversity contributes richness to the College and enhances the quality of education. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators are valued for their diversity. ACOM is committed to providing an academic and employment environment in which students and employees are treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity. It is the policy of ACOM that no student or employee shall be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program sponsored by ACOM.
Curriculum Highlights
Our curriculum includes exposing future physicians to a broad range of diversity, inclusion, and health equity topics.
- Community Health
- Cultural Diversity
- Global Health
- Health Disparities
- Interprofessional Studies
- Health Issues for Underrepresented Populations
- LGBTQIA+ Health Issues
- Linguistic Diversity
- Religious Beliefs Affecting Healthcare
- Women’s Health Issues
Everyone Has A Voice
Everyone has the support, access, and opportunity to learn and grow. To participate and be heard. To make a difference. We strive to provide an inclusive & safe learning environment.
- DEI Incorporated into the Curriculum
- Institutional Diversity Council of Faculty, Staff and Students
- DEI-Related Research and Scholarly Activities
- Diversity and Respect Prioritized as Core Values
- SafeZone Trained Faculty Program
- Annual Required DEI Training for All Faculty, Staff, and Students
- DEI-Supportive Facilities
- Gender-Neutral Bathrooms
- Oasis Room – Prayer and Meditative Space Open to All

Diversity Events
Diversity Week

Diversity Week celebrates what makes us unique as individuals. It provides an opportunity to bring greater understanding of our academic community through educational awareness and cultural experiences. The week’s activities include discussion panels, recreational events, food tasting, guest speakers and workshops. This event takes place annually in the Fall.
COM-Unity Day

COM-Unity Day celebrates what brings us together. It’s about coming to one table, sharing a goal, a vision, as a community. During the day, we take the opportunity to share a meal, connect, have some fun and serve others. This event takes place annually in the Spring.
2022-2023 Institutional Diversity Council

Chanté Richardson, PhD, MBA
Faculty – Chair

Yasmine Hill, MPhil
Staff

Audrey Vasauskas, PhD
Faculty

Soumya Sidana
Student, Class of 2025

Benford Mafuvadze, PhD
Faculty

Ciara Alvarez
Student, Class of 2023

Kim Chosie, LPC-S
Staff

Amber St. Rose
Student, Class of 2026
ACOM’s Institutional Diversity Council vision is an academic community where human differences are respected by valuing minority voices, championing awareness, and addressing disparities. We promote a learning and working environment of purposeful awareness and deliberate action which support the development of physicians who will, in turn, prioritize sensitivity and inclusivity as critical facets of excellent patient care.