Meet Dr. Rich A. Salas: Moderator for the “Immigrant Health: ¿Qué vamos a hacer ahora?” Panel at My City My Health

As My City My Health continues to foster important conversations around public health and equity, this year’s panel on Immigrant Health, titled ¿Qué vamos a hacer ahora?, will be moderated by none other than Dr. Rich A. Salas, a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With over 30 years of experience in promoting equity across multiple sectors, Dr. Salas brings an unparalleled level of expertise and passion to this crucial discussion.

Dr. Salas currently serves as the Chief Diversity Officer at Des Moines University (DMU), where he has been instrumental in creating and leading the DEI department from the ground up. His work at DMU has focused on developing cultural competency and humility training for students, faculty, and staff, as well as integrating DEI into the fabric of the university. His leadership extends beyond the campus; Dr. Salas collaborates with community groups, universities, and businesses to develop sustainable DEI plans that leave a lasting impact.

A dedicated educator, Dr. Salas is also an Assistant Professor in the Behavioral Medicine and Bioethics department at DMU. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organization Change from Colorado State University, where he spearheaded many of the institution’s DEI initiatives, earning him recognition at the local, regional, and national levels.

Dr. Salas’s commitment to diversity extends into healthcare, where he has presented on culturally relevant topics at national conferences and facilitated workshops. His certification as a Master-level facilitator in the Diversity Health Series, developed by Kaiser Permanente, reflects his dedication to enhancing healthcare providers’ understanding of cultural nuances in patient care.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Salas is deeply involved in the community. He is the current chair of the Proteus, Inc. Advisory Council, a member of the Hoyt Sherman Place Board, and served as a Human Rights Commissioner for West Des Moines. His passion for creating inclusive spaces is evident in every facet of his work, making him the ideal moderator for this panel on immigrant health.

When asked about his role, Dr. Salas emphasizes that while his professional accomplishments are important, his most cherished titles are father, husband, and grandfather. He is married to Beatrice Silva-Salas and together they have raised four children: Ernesto, Diego, Richy, and Danielle.

With Dr. Salas at the helm, the Immigrant Health: ¿Qué vamos a hacer ahora? panel is set to be a thoughtful and impactful discussion on the unique challenges faced by immigrant communities when accessing healthcare. His deep-rooted commitment to health equity and cultural competency ensures that this panel will not only be informative but also a catalyst for action in addressing immigrant health disparities.

Join Dr. Salas and other expert panelists at this year’s My City My Health Conference as they explore solutions to one of the most pressing issues in healthcare today.

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Contact info: 970-515-271-1709 (office) or (515) 520-5383 (cell) rich.salas@dmu.edu

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