Shiva Bidar, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, will expand the scope of her work to also become the inaugural Associate Dean for Diversity and Equity Transformation for the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, the organization announced on Monday. Bidar starts her new position on Monday, Oct. 11.
“I am thrilled to be working in partnership with colleagues at the school in this expanded capacity as we advance our vision of healthy people and healthy communities,” said Bidar in a statement. “As we educate the next generation of health sciences professionals and scientists, perform innovative research that has potential to transform lives, and serve patients and populations, we are uniquely positioned to address health equity and the impact of racism on health.”
Her appointment establishes a multifunctional Office of Diversity and Equity Transformation for the school that will be integrated with the existing UW Health Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, according to a press release from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, and the unit will serve staff, faculty and learners throughout the school and will work closely with Dr. Jason Stephenson and the Office of Multicultural Affairs, which will continue to oversee diversity, equity and inclusion programming for health professions learners.
Bidar joined UW Health in 1997 to establish the medical interpretation services program, which is now recognized as a national model. She became director of community partnerships for UW Health, and then UW Health Chief Diversity Officer. In 2020 her role was elevated to a vice president position.
Bidar served as an alder on the Madison Common Council for many years and is a current member of the Governor’s Health Equity Council, co-chair of the Latino Health Council of Dane County, and executive committee member of the Dane County Latino Support Network. She has gained many accolades over the years including being named as a 2019-20 UW–Madison Outstanding Woman of Color.
“Shiva will direct our coordinated efforts to infuse the vital imperatives of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism into all of our missions,” said Robert N. Golden, MD, dean of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. “Under her leadership, we will apply our deep commitment to advancing equity and diversity at the individual, organizational, and community levels.”
