David Acosta

Professor innovating in the area of diversity and inclusion, David Acosta serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion and the Chief Diversity Officer for the UC Davis Health System. With a distinguished career dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, he has made significant contributions to the academic and healthcare communities. His extensive experience includes working closely with underrepresented minority (URM) students and faculty, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued within educational and professional settings. David Acosta has held numerous leadership positions, including roles in rural community health centers, residency and fellowship programs, and admissions. His commitment to diversity is evident in his past role as the Immediate Past Chair of the AAMC Group on Diversity and Inclusion, where he played a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices that promote inclusivity. Additionally, he contributed to the AAMC MR5 Advisory Committee, which was instrumental in the development of the 2015 MCAT, ensuring that the exam reflects the diverse needs of future medical professionals. In recognition of his leadership and dedication, David Acosta was recently elected treasurer of the Executive Board for the Hispanic Serving Health Profession Schools organization. This role allows him to further advocate for the inclusion and advancement of Hispanic professionals in the health sector. His work continues to inspire and drive change, making a lasting impact on the communities he serves.