The ACGME is proud to announce its Diversity and Inclusion Award will now be known as the Barbara Ross-Lee, DO Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award in honor of Dr. Ross-Lee’s illustrious career, contributions to graduate medical education (GME), and expertise in health policy. In 1993, Dr. Ross-Lee became the first African American female dean of a United States medical school when she accepted the position at Ohio University's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is currently the President Elect of the American Osteopathic Foundation.
The award recognizes ACGME-accredited Sponsoring Institutions, programs, or specialty organizations working to diversify the underrepresented physician workforce and create inclusive workplaces that foster humane, civil, and equitable environments.
“Dr. Ross-Lee embodies the values of the ACGME in its commitment to GME diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her dedication to these values at Ohio University, the AOA [American Osteopathic Association], the NIH [National Institutes of Health], and many other important institutions show she is the epitome of a trailblazer and model for programs and institutions looking to eliminate health disparities in their communities,” said ACGME Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer William A. McDade, MD, PhD, adding, “We are thrilled to name this award after her with a unanimous decision by the Board, who felt she was the ideal choice.”
Dr. Ross-Lee has held a number of impressive positions during her career, including Chair of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) Council of Presidents; Chair of the AOA; Commissioned Officer, United States Naval Reserves Medical Corps, achieving the rank of Captain; appointed member of the NIH's Advisory Committee on Research on Women's Health; and service on the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
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