Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Selection of Obstetrician-Gynecologists

Helen Kang Morgan1, Abigail Ford Winkel, Erika Banks

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan; the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York; the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York; the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, Colorado; the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC; the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, Chicago, Illinois; and the Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.

In the setting of long-standing structural racism in health care, it is imperative to highlight inequities in the medical school-to-residency transition. In obstetrics and gynecology, the percentage of Black residents has decreased in the past decade. The etiology for this troubling decrease is unknown, but racial and ethnic biases inherent in key residency application metrics are finally being recognized, while the use of these metrics to filter applicants is increasing. Now is the time for action and for transformational change to rectify the factors that are detrimentally affecting the racial diversity of our residents. This will benefit our patients and learners with equitable health care and better outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System01:24

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
3.0K
Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
2.2K
Preventive Healthcare Services01:30

Preventive Healthcare Services

Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
1.2K
Standards of Care II01:19

Standards of Care II

Nurses bear specific legal responsibilities under several federal statutes, including:
850
Nursing Code of Ethics01:29

Nursing Code of Ethics

The Nursing Code of Ethics sets the ethical benchmark for the profession, and guides nurses in ethical analysis and decision making at the societal, organizational, and clinical levels. The code encompasses showing compassion and respect for the patient, their families, and communities in all circumstances while committing to providing patient-centered care. In addition, the code states that nurses must advocate for the patient by defending a cause or recommendation to protect their rights,...
3.5K
Standards of Care I01:22

Standards of Care I

Federal statutes profoundly impact nursing practice, providing critical guidelines to ensure patient care is equitable, accessible, and of the highest quality. The following laws address distinct aspects of healthcare provision and patient rights:
876