Access, Belonging, and Communities
Mission
The Access, Belonging, and Communities Council provides guidance and advice to Burrell College senior leadership with the objective of creating and supporting an environment that embraces differences, celebrates the rich cultures that make up the fabric of our medical school and advances the focus of the Burrell College’s mission to increase diversity in the physician workforce and foster a practice of life-long learning, compassion, respect and excellence in its students.
Purpose
The Access, Belonging, and Communities Council develops, recommends, and advocates for policies, practices, and programs that promote diversity, and ensure equitable and inclusive learning and work environments for all students and employees. The Access, Belonging, and Communities Council aims to foster a sense of belonging for all and sustain a culture of respect and dignity among faculty, staff, students, and the communities that we engage and serve.
Members
Susana Venegas, MS
Interim Chair
Career Counselor
Kora Davis, OMS-II
Vice Chair
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Student
Emma Kiaie, OMS-II
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Student
Baian Abu-Atieh, OMS-II
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Student
Onyinyechi Nwosu, OMS-III
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Student
Maha Ali, OMS-III
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Student
Peter Sagorski, OMS-I
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Student
Sukla Mohajan, OMS-I
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Student
Kathryn Byrne, OMS-I
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Student
Teshima Orr, BS
Human Resources Generalist
Hari Nepal, MD
Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences
Bob Coni, DO, EdS, FAAN
Associate Professor, Preclinical Medicine
Preetpal Grewal, DO, FACOG
Clerkship Director, OB/GYN
Associate Professor, Preclinical Medicine
Cecil Rose
New Mexico State University
Community Member
The Access, Belonging, and Communities Team, a unit of the Access, Belonging, and Communities Council, is committed to fostering a more inclusive environment and community at Burrell College, and will be an advocate for awareness, education, and appreciation of diversity through making recommendations to senior leadership, when appropriate (e.g. collaborating on trainings, programming, etc.).
The purpose of the Access, Belonging, and Communities Team, a collective group of appointed Access, Belonging, and Communities Council members, is to support and maintain a sense of belonging for all members of the Burrell College community, especially underrepresented and diverse students. As advocates, ABC Team members serve as a support team that is in place to listen and learn from a student, staff, and faculty member’s experience(s) or challenge(s) and provide guidance on navigating and engaging with areas of concern that may currently seem inaccessible or unapproachable. The Access, Belonging, and Communities Team can also assist with connecting students, faculty, and staff with local and regional cultural and community resources, organizations, and outlets.
Note: I understand that referrals from this form will be received during normal business hours and are not monitored after 5 PM, on weekends, or during official College holidays. If you feel there is an immediate risk of harm to self or others prior to submitting this form, please call 911.
If you are in need of support for matters related to wellness or mental health, please access the BCOM Cares Team for further assistance.
Disclaimer: Please see the College’s Grievance Policy. If you would like to file a complaint/grievance, please do so here: https://burrell.edu/bcom_grievance_form/.