Residents and Fellows
Uniting Numerous Inclusive Trainees for Excellence
Our history and vision
Uniting Numerous Inclusive Trainees for Excellence (UNITE) is a residency and fellowship advisory group founded in 2019 from the spirit of residents and fellows across the Health Sciences District who recognized the need for creating safe spaces to develop community and build relationships. The training programs affiliated with UMKC School of Medicine are different but collectively strive to create a learning environment that prepares physicians to care for a global community of patients.
UNITE gives trainees a safe space outside of clinical responsibilities to harness their passions for advocacy, community engagement and providing excellent medical care to patients while serving as ambassadors of their respective training programs. Group members strive to improve the health of patients and the greater Kansas City community through education on healthcare disparities and social drivers of health while increasing awareness about inclusive excellence.
Our mission
UNITE aims to foster and develop relationships across medical specialties, as well as advocate for inclusive excellence throughout the UMKC School of Medicine and its residency and fellowship training programs located at various hospital affiliate sites. Through planning and hosting social events and educational workshops, we aim to bring people from all backgrounds together, inspire collaboration and support the exchange of ideas on how to make the School of Medicine a more welcoming and inclusive workspace for all.
Words from our members
"The UNITE community has given me a sense of pride, a family within residency outside of my program; it has given me courage, a voice and refuge to speak my mind and share ideas, and advocate!"
"UNITE provides a way to connect with our colleagues that are simply across the street."
"UNITE has made me feel less alone, knowing that there are other people who are committed to this."
Our leadership team
Kennedy Mitchell-Hawks, BSW
UNITE Staff Advisor
Johana Mejias-Beck, M.D.
Attending Sponsor
Rebecca Aguayo, M.D.
Attending Sponsor
Want to get involved?
Email Kennedy Mitchell-Hawks to get started!