Enyo Ablordeppey, MD, MPH, FACEP, FCCM, recently completed the prestigious six-month Healthcare Executive Diversity and Inclusion Certificate (HEDIC) program, offered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). This intensive program equips healthcare leaders with practical skills to implement diversity and inclusion effectively. Through courses on leadership strategies, change management, and cultural humility, participants gain the knowledge to leverage and foster inclusive environments within their institutions.
As the inaugural Associate Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Department of Anesthesiology and an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Emergency Medicine, Ablordeppey brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. She works closely with the Washington University Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as departmental colleagues to develop strategic plans guided by an implementation science approach to strengthening the department’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
Her enduring commitment to advancing diversity in medicine is highlighted by her participation in the AAMC Minority Faculty Career Development Seminar in 2014 and the AAMC Mid-Career Minority Faculty Leadership Seminar in 2020. Ablordeppey’s designation as a Faculty Diversity Scholar further underscores her dedication to implementation science research, critical care medicine, point-of-care ultrasound, and education.
In addition to her work at WashU Medicine, Ablordeppey has made significant contributions to the community. She has volunteered as a hotline operator for the Alternatives to Living in Violent Environments (ALIVE) program and served as the vice president of operations for a medical mission to Ghana, where she played a key role in improving healthcare delivery in underserved regions.
“Dr. Ablordeppy is true champion for building and sustaining a culture where members of our community are safe and supported in all WashU Medicine environments, and for creating a climate that is welcoming to all.”
Michael S. Avidan, MBBCh, FCA SA, Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor and head of the Department of Anesthesiology
With the insights gained from the HEDIC program, Ablordeppey is well-positioned to leverage her new skills to advance diversity and inclusion within the department. She plans to implement initiatives such as STAY interviews, dashboards for inclusive culture education compliance, restorative practices, and annual inclusion educational programs to foster community, support professional development, and enhance communication within the department.
“This program has equipped me with invaluable tools and strategies to implement and assess the impact of meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within our department and in alignment with WashU Medicine,” said Ablordeppey. “I am eager to apply what I’ve learned to advance the inclusivity of our departmental organizations and establish a just and equitable framework for access, opportunity, and resources for our faculty, staff, trainees, and patients.”
Ablordeppey’s leadership and vision have already driven significant advancements within the department and the broader medical community. Her continued application of expertise and dedication promises to sustain and expand these improvements, further enriching the healthcare landscape.