Both seniors in the UAMS Endocrinology and Metabolism Fellowship program have been selected to serve on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for the national Association of Program Directors in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (APDEM).
Hooman Motahari, M.D.
Hooman Motahari, M.D., earned a medical degree at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Iran and completed residency at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Far Rockaway, New York.
Soumya Thumma, M.D.
Soumya Thumma, M.D., earned a medical degree at Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences in India and completed residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Both served as chief residents at their respective programs and emphasized diversity as part of their leadership.
”Diverse representation and inclusive learning environments provide inspiration and confidence in achieving professional goals, as DEI is not just about gender, ethnicity, culture or background, but it is about all of us, as we are unique in our own way,” Thumma said. “Our differences need to be embraced as strengths. Inclusion promotes well-being and diversity promotes innovation and creativity.”
Endocrinology and Metabolism Fellowship Program Director Spyridoula Maraka, M.D., serves on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force for the American Thyroid Association.
“UAMS Endocrinology is an active partner in supporting and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion for both our program and the field as a whole,” Maraka said. “We’re proud that Dr. Motahari and Dr. Thumma have taken on this leadership role and will use their background and skills to ensure endocrinology is attracting a wide representation of the best clinicians and researchers now and in the future. Fellows’ participation in national committees is an important step towards training the next generation of diverse leaders.”
The Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism is part of the Department of Internal Medicine in the UAMS College of Medicine.
The two-year fellowship program can be tailored toward individual career goals, with a focus on clinical, research or both. For more information, visit the Endocrinology and Metabolism Fellowship website.