The Department of Internal Medicine Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being team, in alignment with the University of Michigan Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Plan, works to continually monitor, evaluate, and refine DEI and well-being initiatives. Our team is committed to bringing forth meaningful improvements in diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being to support the health care workforce, addressing elements of structural racism and sexism that impact health outcomes, and positively impacting future generations. View our IMPOWER Strategic Plan to learn more.
"As vice chair, I am committed to promoting awareness and engaging our faculty and staff around diversity, equity, and well-being issues - both within our walls and beyond." - Michael Lukela, MD
Vision | Mission | Core Values
Vision
The Department of Internal Medicine will be a diverse and inclusive community that provides each person with the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
Mission
To cultivate an environment that empowers our faculty, learners, and staff to fulfill their purpose and potential.
Core Values
- Caring & Well-Being
- Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
- Collaboration & Respect
- Learning & Innovation
- Transparency & Accountability
Our Team
Vice Chair
Michael Lukela, MD is a Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and director of the combined Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program. He practices hospital medicine at the University Hospital and primary care at the HOPE Clinic, a clinic for the uninsured in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Dr. Lukela also is the director for the William Henry Fitzbutler House in the medical student M-Home Learning Community. He is a member of the Department’s Clinical Excellence Society (Academiae Laureati Medici) and serves as chair of the Wellness Committee. His commitment to education has been recognized through his election to the Executive Committee for the Medicine-Pediatrics Program Director’s Association (MPPDA), including a term as president. Dr. Lukela brings a deep understanding of undergraduate and graduate medical education coupled with his passion to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being for faculty, staff, and learners.
Associate Vice Chair
Sarah Gualano, MD is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and interventional cardiologist at the Veteran's Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System and Michigan Medicine, with a focus in structural heart disease. Dr. Gualano trained at the University of Michigan, then joined the faculty at the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center and served as the director of the cardiac cath lab at Clements University Hospital in Dallas. She graduated from the executive MBA program at Southern Methodist University with a special interest in organizational behavior. At UTSW, she served on the Dean’s Wellness Committee. After Dr. Gualano's recruitment back to the University of Michigan, she was appointed Co-Director of the Frankel Cardiovascular Center Wellness Committee. Dr. Gualano brings a passion and experience in wellness initiatives that can help faculty and staff experiences in the Department.
Program Manager
Erin Price is the Program Manager for the Diversity, Equity, and Well-Being team. Erin has a wealth of experience providing leadership and decision support in executing a variety of projects in administrative, educational, clinical operations/quality improvement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) spaces. Prior to coming to the Department of Internal Medicine, she was a project manager in the U-M Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology for nearly six years and was responsible for their DEI initiatives and implementation. Additionally, Erin teaches diversity and cultural communication courses, as adjunct faculty, in the University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation. Erin received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her master’s degree from the University of Toledo.
Senior Administrative Assistant
Gretchen O’Hair serves the DOIM as Senior Administrative Assistant supporting the Office of DEI & Well-Being. Bringing 10 years of experience at U-M in various administrative roles, Gretchen also serves as a facilitator of the U-M Voices of the Staff Striving for Well Being Team, MHealthy Champion, and Planet Blue Ambassador. She has a demonstrated commitment and passion for promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being, breaking down barriers, enriching the climate of our university, and seeks to lead others in understanding the importance of fostering a healthy culture, environment, and positive relationships that engage and support faculty, staff, and our community. Gretchen joined the Office of DEI & Well-Being in April 2022.
IMPOWER Council
Inclusive engagement and representation of faculty and staff from across the Department of Internal Medicine is paramount to achieve our mission. The IMPOWER (Inspiring Medicine to Promote Opportunities for Well-Being, Equity, and Diversity) Council was created to facilitate multidirectional communication and support initiatives to drive culture change around IMPOWER’s five strategic priorities:
- Leadership Engagement, Development & Accountability
- Develop People
- Improve Environment
- Build Partnerships
- Track and Communicate Results
Contact Us
For questions relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being please email [email protected].
