An Institutional Approach to Fostering Inclusion and Addressing Racial Bias: Implications for Diversity in Academic...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare
• Health Equity

Background:

• Underrepresented in medicine (UIM) perspectives are largely absent from academic medicine, despite the need for a diverse healthcare workforce.
• Barriers for UIM learners include differential learning experiences, inadequate social support, and biased evaluations.
• Previous studies indicate that interventions can positively impact UIM learners' academic success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of diversity in academic medicine.
• To present evidence-based interventions for improving the educational experience of UIM learners.
• To advocate for institution-level initiatives to foster inclusion in academic medicine.

Main Methods:

• Review of prior studies on barriers faced by UIM learners.
• Analysis of the UCSF Differences Matter initiative's interventions.
• Examination of institutional experiences with cultural reform.

Main Results:

• Interventions focused on faculty recruitment, community building, cross-cultural communication, and fair assessments improve UIM learners' educational experiences.
• Systemic cultural reform at the institutional level is crucial for fostering inclusion.
• Shared responsibility for inclusion among all academic community members is essential.

Conclusions:

• Institution-level initiatives are necessary to cultivate a culture of inclusion, cultural humility, and trust in academic medicine.
• Developing novel approaches to foster inclusion is vital for academic medicine.
• Addressing diversity issues requires a common language and shared accountability.