The University of California, Riverside School of Medicine will host the annual J.W. Vines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Colloquium on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The event will feature a keynote address by Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson, MD, MPH, MSHS, a nationally recognized leader in health equity and the Chief of Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence at UCLA Health System.
The colloquium, which is open to all, serves as a cornerstone of the medical school's commitment to fostering dialogue and action on critical issues of diversity and inclusion within the medical community. This year's event holds special significance as it welcomes Dr. Briggs-Malonson, a Riverside native, back to her hometown.
In addition to her role at UCLA Health, she serves as the Chief Health Equity Officer for the entire University of California Health system.
"We are honored to welcome Dr. Briggs-Malonson to the UCR School of Medicine," said J.W. Vines Medical Society President Dr. Leita Harris. "Her extraordinary work in advancing health equity and her deep roots in our community make her the ideal voice to inspire our students, faculty, and partners. The J.W. Vines Colloquium is a vital platform for addressing the differences in health outcomes for groups in our region who are at the highest clinical and social risk, and we are thrilled to have such a distinguished leader guide this important conversation."
The event is held in partnership with the J.W. Vines Society, a non-profit organization representing African American physicians in the Inland Empire dedicated to supporting and mentoring students at the UCR School of Medicine.
Event Details:
What: UCR School of Medicine’s J.W. Vines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Colloquium
When: Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM PDT
Where: UC Riverside School of Medicine, SOM Education Building II, Riverside, CA
Register https://bit.ly/4lZhkmE
Schedule: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Keynote Address by Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson
· 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Private meeting for J.W. Vines Society members with Dr. Briggs-Malonson
About the UCR School of Medicine:
The UCR School of Medicine is a community-based medical school dedicated to addressing the healthcare needs of Inland Southern California. Its mission focuses on training a diverse physician workforce and developing research and healthcare delivery programs that improve the health of the medically underserved in the region.
About The J.W. Vines Society:
The J.W. Vines Society at the UCR School of Medicine is a non-profit 501 © 6 organization representing African American physicians in the Inland Empire and High Desert, named in honor of Dr. J.W. Vines, a pioneering African American physician in the region. The society plays a vital role in mentorship and fostering an inclusive environment at the medical school. All in the UC Riverside community are welcome to participate in JW Vines Society-UCR programming.
Members of the press are invited to attend the keynote address. To RSVP or request more information, contact Carl M. Dameron at (909) 534-9500 or email Carl@DameronCommunications.com.
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