"Navy Medicine must be a reflection of our Nation’s diverse composition. 

To that end, I’m committed that Navy Medicine will leverage the right mix of accession, retention, education, and training incentives to meet this goal.  We are facing the most rapid change in demographics in the history of the United States.  Navy Medicine personnel must be mindful of who we serve.  We must ensure our shipmates are trained to provide culturally competent care, coordinating traditional, non-traditional and holistic practices while individualizing medical care to meet specific patient needs.

The initial phase of diversity training for Navy Medicine personnel has been completed.  The next phase will be to normalize diversity and inclusion.  There must be commitment, from all levels, to creating an environment where people are valued, respected, mentored and provided the opportunity to reach their full personal and professional potential, an environment that benefits the sailor, the command, the community, and Navy Medicine.  I will follow the CNO’s lead and support creating a self-sustaining diversity workforce, where all our shipmates see themselves represented in all levels of leadership. 

 Our nation is a tapestry of strength woven with people of all backgrounds and origins. We all must take ownership of what we do to cultivate a diverse Navy Medicine team, a workforce that is ready, technically savvy, relevant, and motivated; one that is ready to take Navy Medicine into the future."

                 VADM Matthew L. Nathan
                 US Navy Surgeon General