The UMRA News is offering colleagues across the University an opportunity to share with us some of their experiences on being maroon and gold, and Black. Rahel Ghebre, MD, MPH, is a gynecologic oncologist and professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health. She earned her MD from the University of Michigan and MPH from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She received the 2020 International Gynecologic Cancer Society Award for Excellence in Teaching. —Kristine Mortensen, editor 

I would love to see members of UMRA reach back to offer their guidance on how to navigate academic life.
—Rahel Ghebre, MD, MPH

What brought you to the University of Minnesota? 
As a young medical student in 1996, I was looking for a residency that was based in a community with a diverse patient population. Dr. Timothy R. B. Johnson, the department chair in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan, highly recommended the University of Minnesota, which has a combined training program with Hennepin Healthcare. 

What was something about Minnesota that surprised you when you got here? 
I was surprised by the diverse pool of companies that are either headquartered in Minnesota or have a large presence here. This is important as it provides strong industry partners for the work we conduct at the University. Based on my personal experience, opportunities for internship are important for Black students to attract them to math and science fields, and more generally to provide them with professional work opportunities. These same opportunities should be offered to students of indigenous and Latino background and first-generation college students who need that extra support to build professional connections.

Describe one experience that exemplifies what it is like for you today to be maroon and gold, and Black. 
On June 5, 2020, the University of Minnesota Senate put forward a statement around the events surrounding the killing of Mr. George Floyd. The formal response of students, faculty, and administration to this defining moment in Minnesota history demonstrated this University’s values and commitment to upholding justice and recognizing the equality of all persons. Although there is much work to be done, I believe this University is doing real work to advance racial equity within our campus and community. 

What is the Early Pathway to Success Program for new women faculty in the Medical School and what are your ambitions for the program as co-leader?
The early years in an academic appointment can be challenging for all new faculty. A singular focus on demonstrating your contribution to science is required to advance in academic medicine. As a woman of color, I intentionally looked for those colleagues and mentors who offered me advice on how to overcome institutional barriers and find my place in this University. It is extremely valuable, some say critical, to have a network of colleagues who identify with your experience. 

The Early Pathway to Success Program is a career-supportive program for faculty who identify as women and are in the first three years of their faculty appointment; the intention is to promote gender equity and increase the retention and promotion of women in academic medicine. The faculty within this program are phenomenal; they are the future professors and leaders at this University. My ambition is to offer a similar program to faculty of all genders, and I believe our patients, students, and ultimately the state will benefit [from this diversity.]

As an MD, MPH and educator, how do you see the impact of racism and discrimination in the U.S.? 
Daily around me there are signs of the lack of equal access to education and health care. To address this disparity means to engage in addressing the root causes of racism and discrimination. Minnesota, despite ranking as one of the healthiest states in the U.S., has some of the largest disparities in health and education outcomes between whites and persons of Black, Latino, and American Indian heritage. As scientists, we know data speaks volumes and to address this disparity means to engage in addressing the root causes of racism and discrimination. We have challenging work ahead that requires all of us to fight the daily manifestations of racism and discrimination around us. 

What is something members of UMRA can do to make Minnesota a better place for all?
I would love to see members of UMRA reach back to offer their guidance on how to navigate academic life. If you know of retired Medical School professors who would like to connect and serve as professional mentors, please ask them to email me. That would be extremely valuable.