Episode 029 - Burrell COM and the JEDI Program

This month we get to take another opportunity to highlight some of the amazing work that our Osteopathic Medical Student community is doing to further Osteopathic Medicine. Jason and Scott sit down with two extraordinary student doctors from Scott’s own institution, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, Student Doctors Alberto Velasco and Anusia Mansukhani to discuss the creation and continued expansion of their Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, or JEDI Program.  

Created by Student Doctor Velasco as a means to help incorporate DEI educational initiatives into osteopathic medical school activities and instruction; the JEDI program has now become a nationally recognized addition to osteopathic education in the process of being rolled out to now 27 Osteopathic Medical Schools.  Using the guidance set forth by the program students and educators can incorporate culturally congruent components to any lecture or extracurricular event with the goal of creating a more open, welcoming, inclusive, and just culture within the osteopathic medical community. By training our students to celebrate the diversity of not only the osteopathic medical community, but also the people we serve, the creators of the JEDI Program hope to create a new generation of Osteopathic Physicians prepared to care for the diverse population in a respectful and culturally competent manner.  

Student Doctor Mansukhani, founder of the Burrell COM South Asian Medical Student Association,  shares some personal stories on how she has taken the JEDI principles to create both her organization and special events at her school to celebrate the Festival of Diwali while providing education to the students and faculty about the vibrant history behind the Holiday and her culture.  

For more information about the JEDI program and how you can start incorporating it into your school’s or club’s activities you can go to: https://burrell.edu/students/organizations-and-outreach/jedi/ to find how more.  

As always you can contact Jason and Scott at Pedscast@ACOPeds.org with any questions, comments, or thoughts on upcoming episodes.  A brief production note: while the hosts do plan on recording an episode in the month of December, due to scheduling, clinical duties, and setting aside time to be with family for the Holidays this will be the last episode for 2023. We want to wish you all a safe and happy Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year. We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to bringing you some great episodes – starting with 2 episodes in January – in the coming year! 

~Jason and Scott~