UNC Health has chosen Dr. Audrea Caesar as its first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.

In this role, Caesar will oversee and expand health equity efforts currently underway at UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine.

“UNC Health is widely recognized as a leader in efforts to improve diversity and health equity for all of North Carolina,” said Caesar. “I’m eager to help further that mission and innovate in the ways we treat and serve all patients and how we care for each other as teammates. I care deeply about finding solutions to issues that limit quality healthcare for all, particularly those who are underserved.”

Dr. Audrea Caesar (photo via UNC Health)

Prior to accepting this position at UNC Health, Caesar worked for the City of Raleigh, where she created and led the city’s first Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In that role she developed Raleigh’s first racial equity action plan which emphasized workforce equity, police-community relations, business inclusion and community engagement. She also served as an advisor to the mayor and city council on issues related to community health, social justice and equity.

“I know Dr. Caesar will bring the same passion and dedication to UNC Health in her new role that she has demonstrated throughout her career,” said Dr. Wesley Burks, CEO of UNC Health and Dean of the UNC School of Medicine.

According to UNC Health, health equity means ensuring that every person in every community can get the same high-quality care regardless of individual characteristics, such as ethnicity, gender or geographic location. The healthcare system said a number of social, economic and cultural factors significantly affect both physical and mental health.

“UNC Health strives to recognize and eliminate these disadvantages that lead to healthcare disparities through initiatives that increase diversity in leadership, improve training for cultural competency, and strengthen community partnerships,” read the press release announcing Caesar’s appointment.

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