Antiracism in Residency: A Multimethod Intervention to Increase Racial Diversity in a Community-Based Residency...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Equity Research
• Diversity and Inclusion in Medicine

Background:

• Racial health inequity necessitates a more diverse physician workforce and leadership.
• A community-based family medicine residency program aimed to enhance racial diversity among its residents and faculty.
• Addressing systemic racism is crucial for achieving health equity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and report on the outcomes of a comprehensive diversity initiative.
• To increase the racial diversity of residents and faculty within a family medicine residency program.
• To evaluate the impact of a multifaceted diversity strategy on workforce composition.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a multifaceted diversity initiative at a community-based family medicine residency.
• Key components included revising the mission statement, establishing a diversity task force, and introducing an antiracism curriculum.
• An ongoing system was developed to systematically evaluate progress and outcomes.

Main Results:

• The proportion of residents identifying as persons of color significantly increased from 28% (2014) to 68% (2017).
• Faculty diversity also saw substantial growth, rising from 9% to 27% during the same period.
• The initiative demonstrated a dramatic increase in underrepresented and minority individuals within the residency program.

Conclusions:

• The multimethod diversity initiative was highly effective in increasing racial and ethnic diversity.
• Sustained commitment from leadership and dedicated resources were critical to the initiative's success.
• Prioritizing diversity and actively addressing racism at an institutional level are key to achieving equitable outcomes.