Students for Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (SIDE)
Welcome! SIDE is an umbrella student-led organization that serves as a centralized source of information and support for students at PSOM for issues relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Our mission is to promote a positive and engaging climate with respect to these ideals among all students. We work closely with faculty and staff who are part of PSOM’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Learner Experience Program in Medical Education (IDEAL MEd), and the offices of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Affairs. We also collaborate with the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (OIDE) and the Alliance of Minority Physicians (AMP) to carry out our shared mission.
Our executive board is elected annually directly by students, and the rest of our leadership team is composed of representatives from PSOM’s affinity groups, wellness team, and community clinic leadership.
SIDE supports all kinds of events from PSOM student groups and individuals that advance our mission of promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity in our community. If you are a student, check out the student page for more information about how to request funding!
Examples of past events that received funding from SIDE include:
- Lunch talks and mentorship panels with our school’s cultural affinity groups, professional clubs, and faith-based organizations, inviting speakers from Penn and beyond
- Events to raise awareness and teach about particular issues, such as women's health and language services in healthcare
- Social events and mixers with food, yoga, board games to foster community
- A bone marrow drive in collaboration with multiple cultural affinity groups
- And more!