RIVERSIDE, CA— The University of California, Riverside School of Medicine will host the annual J.W. Vines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Colloquium on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The event will feature a keynote address by Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson, MD, MPH, MSHS, a nationally recognized leader in health equity and the Chief of Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence at UCLA Health System.
The colloquium, which is open to all, serves as a cornerstone of the medical school’s commitment to fostering dialogue and action on critical issues of diversity and inclusion within the medical community. This year’s event holds special significance as it welcomes Dr. Briggs-Malonson, a Riverside native, back to her hometown.
In addition to her role at UCLA Health, she serves as the Chief Health Equity Officer for the entire University of California Health system.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Briggs-Malonson to the UCR School of Medicine,” said J.W. Vines Medical Society President Dr. Leita Harris. “Her extraordinary work in advancing health equity and her deep roots in our community make her the ideal voice to inspire our students, faculty, and partners. The J.W. Vines Colloquium is a vital platform for addressing the differences in health outcomes for groups in our region who are at the highest clinical and social risk, and we are thrilled to have such a distinguished leader guide this important conversation.”
The event is held in partnership with the J.W. Vines Society, a non-profit organization representing African American physicians in the Inland Empire dedicated to supporting and mentoring students at the UCR School of Medicine.
