Message From Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, it is my pleasure to welcome you.

I earned my undergraduate degree from The University of Georgia and completed my medical education at the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, where I stayed to complete my pediatric residency at Comer Children’s Hospital. In 2016, I joined the Division of Hospital-Based Medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and became an Associate Program Director for the pediatric residency program in 2021.

I am deeply passionate about fostering inclusive spaces, cultivating a strong sense of belonging among healthcare providers, and advancing health equity for our patients, families, and the communities we serve. As the Senior Director of DEI, my mission is to support each training program’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by equipping trainees with the knowledge and skills to identify health disparities and create actionable solutions. Through developing innovative health equity curricula and programming, I aim to inspire and engage health equity leaders locally, regionally, and nationally. Together, we can enhance the learning environment for residents and fellows, empowering them to deliver high-quality, equitable care.

I look forward to collaborating with you on this shared journey toward health equity and inclusivity.

Uchenna (Uche) Pelzer, MD
Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics (Hospital-Based Medicine)