How do we promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in…

…Billings Clinic as an institution?

Billings Clinic is invested in promoting health equity across our region. Our Office of Patient Safety and Quality developed a Health Equity Report (hyperlinked) in 2023 to better characterize the unique demographic makeup of our patient population and to identify areas in which disparities still exist.

…in the Internal Medicine residency?

Cultural Awareness week is a one week rotation in which PGY2s integrate into the community to better understand cultural, religious and social factors affecting healthcare. Residents meet with leaders from the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Tribal Health departments to better understand how they deliver care. A member of our Office of DEI introduces residents to the Homeless Outreach Team and the work they do serving unhoused patients. The curriculum also includes time meeting with local leaders of various faiths allowing residents to ask questions examining the congruence of medical practices with specific religious beliefs. Dedicated time is also spent meeting with members representing local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to better understand healthcare needs unique to our LGBTQ+ patients.

How does this affect you?

Our program believes that residents are at their best when they feel comfortable being their authentic selves at work and in the community around them. For applicants who are new to Billings, Montana, it may be daunting to integrate into a new community without further information.

Interested applicants have the option of attending a separate DEI informational session led by Sara Agostinelli, ED. D. Participation in this session is not recorded and has no bearing on applicant’s candidacy. It is provided as an open forum for applicants to ask questions pertaining to life in Billings, representation of minority groups and overall sense of community.