Following a year of participation in a Targeted Universalism Community of Practice—developed by the University of California, Berkeley’s Othering & Belonging Institute— the CBB Council is engaging in a stepwise process to implement the targeted universalism framework in our department.
Targeted universalism, an evolving approach, is a means to building stronger communities through bridging and dialogue. It helps to clarify universal goals for all, while identifying targeted approaches for different subgroups to help everyone achieve those primary, universal, goals.
Members of the CBB Council who participated in the community of practice, hosted virtually by the Othering & Belonging Institute, included Dr. Marie Angèle Theárd, Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Programs Gary Barbour-See, and Program Operations Specialist Jaelen Barnett.
According to Barbour-See, engagement in the community of practice helped to create a forum to discuss team experiences at each hospital site and assess goals related to inclusion and belonging across the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine.
The CBB Council, under the leadership of Interim Vice Chair Dr. Katherine Gentry, will continue this work in partnership with faculty, trainees and care teams to identify universal goals to further build community, promote recruitment and retention efforts, and support the needs of different groups across our sites.
Further reading: Othering & Belonging Institute Targeted Universalism Primer
Community Building & Belonging Council highlights
Attend the CBB Council Meeting on August 18: Contact apmcbb@uw.edu for details.
Volunteer opportunities: Contact apmcbb@uw.edu if you would like to volunteer!
- Doctor for a Day: The ABCs of Airway
- December 12, 2026, 9:00AM – 2:00PM
- Edmonds College postbaccalaureate program – We need volunteers for the following opportunities in the 2026-2027 academic year!
- Mentor a postbaccalaureate student who is interested in a career in healthcare. Junior faculty and trainees are highly encouraged to volunteer!
- Virtual guest speaker Q&A session for the postbaccalaureate students between January – March 2027.
- Several volunteers are needed for the WISH Simulation Day on April 23 or 30, 2027 with final date to be confirmed.