Congratulations to Dr. Jason Deen, professor of pediatrics, pediatric cardiologist at Seattle Children’s, and vice chair for equity, diversity, and inclusion for the UW Department of Pediatrics, on being named the 2025 recipient of the UW School of Medicine Minority Faculty Mentoring Award.
Presented annually by the Committee on Minority Faculty Advancement, this award recognizes senior faculty who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to mentoring faculty from communities underrepresented in medicine and science. Its purpose is to celebrate someone who fosters inclusive professional growth and improves diversity, equity, and representation within the University of Washington School of Medicine.
“Dr. Deen’s career is a testament to the spirit of this award, marked by his unwavering commitment to addressing health disparities, championing equity, and transforming the landscape of pediatric care for historically marginalized communities by mentoring minoritized students, residents, fellows, and faculty,” said Dr. Leslie R. Walker.
Dr. Deen has been a driving force behind the Department of Pediatrics’ Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and has led efforts to recruit and retain underrepresented minorities in medicine, developed intentional curricula surrounding inclusion and health equity, and mentored countless trainees and faculty from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Deen’s work is rooted in community partnership and empowerment.
A member of the Blackfeet Nation, Dr. Deen is also the founding director of the Center for Indigenous Health, which aims to foster a sense of community among Indigenous physicians and increase the number of Indigenous physicians in Washington state by inspiring younger generations to pursue a career in medicine.
Dr. Deen's impact as a mentor is best captured by those he has guided. Dr. Reya Mokiao, assistant professor of pediatrics in the division of nephrology, wrote in her nomination letter:
"What sets Jason apart as a mentor is not only his commitment to advancing the careers of his mentees, but also his deep investment in their well-being as whole people. He takes the time to understand how personal identity and professional goals intersect, and he honors both with equal care. For me, that has meant recognizing the central role of my Native Hawaiian and Samoan heritage in shaping who I am. Jason has gone out of his way to connect me with Native Hawaiian physicians and researchers, helping me build a cultural support system within academia. In every interaction, he uplifts those around him, creating space not just for success, but for true thriving."
Beyond UW and Seattle Children’s, Dr. Deen serves as the chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Native American Child Health and is also the AAP's liaison to the Canadian Pediatric Society's First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Health Committee. He has testified in countless congressional hearings on the importance of funding for Indigenous health. He has also co-convened many of the most important North American meetings on the needs of Indigenous communities.
“Dr. Deen’s impact is both broad and deep,” said Dr. Walker. “He has been a catalyst for institutional change, a champion for vulnerable children and families, and an inspiration to his colleagues and mentees."