School of Medicine taps Dr. Isis Smith to lead expanding curriculum

The School of Medicine is pleased to announce that Isis Smith, MD, will assume the role of Curriculum Director for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for medical student education. Dr. Smith brings both her expertise and passion for social justice and equity to this new position.

A graduate the University of Washington School of Medicine, Smith completed her residency training in internal medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital with additional certification in HIV/AIDS. She has been working at the UMCNO Ambulatory Medicine clinic, precepting residents in their continuity clinics and working at the Total Health Clinic located at the Ruth Fertel Clinic.

This new position at the School of Medicine expands the role that Smith currently plays as the director for the required Community Health Clerkship. This is a multilayered experience that focuses on the social determinants of health, structural violence, racism in its various forms, high rates of incarceration and other topics. Dr. Smith will now also be responsible for the creation and implementation of a coherent and coordinated medical student curriculum in EDI competencies necessary for future physicians.

“Dr. Smith’s new role is one of many steps we are taking to continue to make Tulane a more equitable and inclusive place for all.” says Lee Hamm, MD, Dean and Senior Vice President of Tulane University School of Medicine. “With her extensive background and knowledge in the EDI space, she will be a tremendous leader as we consistently strive to improve our medical education curriculum.”