What a People First Culture Means
Advancing patient-centered experiences. Pioneering research discoveries. Enhancing educational endeavors.
These are the core foundations on which the UW Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is built, and it is what guides us every day.
But the thread that ties together our wide-ranging efforts is people. Whether it is our own employees or those impacted by the work we do, people are at the center of all we do. That means welcoming and respecting individuals across identities, backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences.
Here at DOVS, we strive to be a “people-first culture” that champions belonging, well-being, and shared accountability. We are committed to building welcoming environments and supportive systems, as well as practicing our stated values to ensure well-being and success for all current and future stakeholders. In conjunction with our DOVS Engagement and Action Alliance, we are committed to learning and discovering new ways of putting this work into practice.
Here’s what this means for us, the people we serve, and the systems we build.
FOR US
- Continue work in establishing a safe, open environment of trust for all DOVS stakeholders
- Support hiring and retention practices that welcome a broad range of experiences and voices, using thoughtful recruitment strategies and ongoing learning
- Increase professional development, wellness education, and life-long learning opportunities for DOVS members and affiliate communities here and abroad
- Bolster departmental mentoring programs with attention to adopting new models of support
FOR THE PEOPLE WE SERVE
- Broaden communication bridges for all stakeholders
- Provide comfortable, thoughtful, proximal space for patients, faculty, staff and learners that promotes efficiency, communication and collaboration
- Engage in programs that deepen our community connections and support individuals and groups who have historically faced barriers to care
- Increase development/philanthropic activities for research, education and clinical trial needs
FOR THE SYSTEMS WE BUILD
- Invest in collaborative faculty/learner global exchange opportunities
- Utilize different technologies and reimagine processes to provide efficiencies in education, research, and patient care
- Upgrade and optimize communication processes with task automation and other novel methods
- Enact environmentally sustainable efforts across all operational areas
- Implement advancement and communication workshops/training opportunities that focus on development, finances, branding and awareness tools to enhance our philanthropy