At IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, we’re advancing a culture where all people can come together while we work to equitably improve the health of all Hoosiers.
Working together, our cancer center will foster an environment in which differences are respected and valued, and focus key research and clinical resources to address cancer disparities in underrepresented and underserved communities.
The cancer center as a community is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. This is an essential part of our mission. To enhance diversity of our staff, faculty, and trainees, we will focus on four goals:
Achieve and maintain a more diverse and inclusive membership and stakeholder group
Create and sustain an institutional infrastructure that effectively supports progress in achieving DEI goals in the cancer center strategic plan
Engage the community in learning varied perspectives of domestic and international diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice
Grow institutional philanthropy and community partnerships to improve outcomes in local/regional communities
Diverse medical and scientific talent is essential in achieving health equity and curing cancer. With your skills and experience and enthusiasm, we’ll make it happen.
Careers at the Cancer CenterCareers at IU School of MedicineCareers at IU Health
For World Cancer Day 2022, Cancer Center Director Kelvin Lee, MD, shared his conviction that inclusivity fosters innovation—and that it's our responsibility to eliminate the burden of cancer for everyone in Indiana and beyond.
We’re improving access to quality cancer care for all patients by:
Researchers at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered that Black patients with breast cancer who are treated with a chemotherapy called docetaxel experience less of a harmful side effect called peripheral neuropathy. Their findings represent an important shift in knowledge about a patient population who've historically been underrepresented in breast cancer research.
With LGBTQ+ Pride Month underway, we are highlighting J. Dennis Fortenberry, MD, MS, who has conducted extensive research in this community. He answers questions about his research.
The IU School of Medicine offers programs that encourage continued learning and understanding about different cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences.
Recruitment and Retention
IU School of Medicine offers a wide range of recruitment and retention programs to help build a pipeline of talented and diverse health care professionals.
Inclusive Climate
Programs to foster an inclusive climate at IU School of Medicine work to establish a culture in which differences are present and highly valued.
Cultural Competency Training
Cultural competency training ensures learners and faculty have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to work effectively with patients and families, and with other members of the medical community.
This toolkit is intended to serve as a reference guide to information and resources to support university community members as they address situations, to offer strategies for action, and provide steps for building safe and inclusive campus communities.
Check out the toolkitThe IU Health Office of Health Equity Research and Outreach at IU Health focuses on our internal operations and clinical care through the lens of its diverse patients and communities. We focus on equitable patient access, experiences, and quality outcomes.
Learn MoreThis is a collection of cancer care resources that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.
View Reading List
The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center makes deliberate efforts to cultivate a diverse group of members who are engaged in conducting research, service or education reflecting the broad characteristics of the community at large. This diversity is focused on two key areas: researchers/clinicians within the cancer center community and the unique breadth of research and trials they conduct. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to promote research and patient care that is broad in thinking and tackles the challenges of preventing, treating and curing cancer using inclusive and equitable strategies. The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center aims to both retain top talent as well as recruit new members who bring various perspectives and conduct research and clinical trials that encompasses a range of experiences, backgrounds, and identities.
IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center wishes to acknowledge and honor the indigenous communities native to this region, and recognize that Indiana University was built on indigenous homelands and resources. Indiana University recognizes the Miami, Delaware, Potawatomi, and Shawnee people as past, present, and future caretakers of this land. We are proud to support Native students in their pursuit of community and success at Indiana University.
Philanthropy is essential to IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center’s efforts to find solutions that save lives. Your gifts facilitate research that sets worldwide standards for care, improving outcomes for patients in Indiana and far beyond.
To help researchers improve outcomes for cancer patients, learn more about our giving options or contact our development team today.
