Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Equity: Equity is the just treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Equity in action means recognizing we all begin at different starting lines and helping someone along the way will always be the right course of action.

Diversity: Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, culture, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical ability. It also involves different ideas, perspectives, and values. Diversity in action means people feel safe and empowered to live as their authentic self.

Inclusion: Authentically including all individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision/policymaking in a way that shares power, fosters respect, and embraces our diversity. Inclusion in action means individuals are valued for who they are and what they offer and that they have the opportunity and means to reach their highest potential.

David Callender, MD, President & CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System

Like the Greater Houston area we call home, Memorial Hermann is made up of a diverse population. Our employees and physicians come from all walks of life—different ethnicities, races, backgrounds and belief systems. We are extremely fortunate to have many different cultures and ethnicities represented and celebrated in our Memorial Hermann family.  We value what makes us each unique, and we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our workforce, as well as throughout the community we proudly serve. As a community-owned health system, Memorial Hermann is dedicated to creating healthier communities now and for generations to come. We believe that creating healthier communities starts with:

• Building a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve
• Celebrating what makes each of us unique
• Tearing down barriers that oppress members of our communities

As a longtime, active member of the Greater Houston Partnership and one of Houston’s Top 10 employers, Memorial Hermann is proud to join the Partnership’s One Houston Together initiative to make Houston “America’s most inclusive and open city.”  By pledging to adhere to its Racial Equity Principles, we commit to use them as a framework in our shared efforts in reforming systems of bias, strengthening underserved communities, advocating inclusion and removing barriers to achievement. Memorial Hermann is proud to be part of the Houston business community’s collective commitment to racial equity and inclusion. 

Together, with other leaders of Houston’s businesses and civic institutions, we profess our commitment to the following Racial Equity Principles: 

• We will institute policies and procedures that promote acceptance, respect and opportunity for all human beings. 
• We will practice and encourage behaviors that build trust and understanding rather than resentment and bias. 
• We will set measurable goals and practice rigorous accountability in our diversity, inclusion and outreach efforts within our own institutions.
• We will acknowledge missteps and correct course when warranted.  
• We will support advancing equity in the communities where we live and operate, understanding that our long-term success depends on our shared progress.
• We will regularly engage with and listen to underserved communities to deepen our understanding of the inequities experienced and seek lasting solutions.
• We will identify specific and concrete ways to foster the advancement and success of underrepresented groups, institutions and individuals. 
• We will promote the application of these principles within our spheres of influence.

As we celebrate and respect what makes us different, we share an optimism for the future. In pursuit of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all we do, there is still hard work ahead and barriers to overcome. But we are confident that our organization is up to any challenge. Because we choose to not only respond, but to lead in the challenges that lie ahead. As the largest healthcare provider and one of the Top 10 employers in Houston, Memorial Hermann remains focused on ways to:

• Enhance access to our high-quality health care services for all members of our communities
• Empower our employees with the skills and support needed to advance their careers
• Cultivate a respectful, inclusive environment for our patients, employees, physicians, volunteers and vendors

Through our EDI program, we are not just promising to better serve our employees and communities – we are committing to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within our walls and throughout our community. EDI will become the driving force behind every decision made and every action taken at Memorial Hermann. Because we recognize that we cannot meet our mission of creating healthier communities now and for generations to come unless every voice is heard.

At Memorial Hermann, we are fully committed to achieving equity, diversity and inclusion in our workforce and the community we serve. At Memorial Hermann, we are committed to empowering, engaging and educating our employees and affiliated physicians.

EDI Leadership. The EDI Executive Council provides advocacy and oversight for Memorial Hermann’s EDI initiatives and programs. The Council monitors and oversees the progress of the EDI Councils (Community, Employee and Health System), establishes the EDI roadmap for the System and provides guidance to the EDI Councils.

Celebrating Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Memorial Hermann

As Memorial Hermann’s efforts to support Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) within our own walls and throughout our communities continue to grow, we remain committed to cultivating a respectful, inclusive environment for our patients, employees and physicians. It is everyone’s job to make sure we are doing all we can to foster a respectful and inclusive workplace.

By recognizing nationally celebrated diversity months, Memorial Hermann provides employees with an opportunity to listen and learn about what makes their colleagues unique, so that every individual is valued for being their authentic self. This is just one way that our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Councils are helping cultivate a respectful, inclusive environment for our patients, employees and physicians.

Memorial Hermann’s Standards of Conduct are always in effect, and all members of our workforce are expected to respect each other’s differences.

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Channel on MH Now.

The EDI channel on MH Now, Memorial Hermann’s internal digital forum for employees, celebrates the diversity of the Memorial Hermann community. As employees, we are invited to share our thoughts, traditions and celebrations to showcase what makes us unique members of our community. It is a place where people can post and share their experiences, traditions and celebrations as well as find a variety of articles, educational resources and employee stories on EDI topics.

• MH Now Recording: “A Conversation About Our Vision for EDI at Memorial Hermann”
• January: Celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his trailblazing activism for justice and equity in America.
• February: Black History Month
• March: Women’s History Month; Shattering glass ceilings
• Women Leaders of Memorial Hermann Mentoring Circles
• May: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
• June: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
• August: Memorial Hermann Diversity Month
• September: Hispanic Heritage
• October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month
• November: National Native American Heritage Month

Employees interested in taking a more active role in Memorial Hermann’s EDI efforts can email EDI@memorialhermann.org for more information.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Memorial Hermann Health System shall provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), pregnancy, disability, genetic information, U.S. military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.