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The American Board of Urology: In Pursuit of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Douglas A Husmann1, Martha K Terris2, Cheryl T Lee3
1American Board Of Urology, The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Insights
The American Board of Urology is enhancing diversity in its committees by analyzing demographic gaps and aiming for better representation. Continuous efforts and education are crucial for sustained diversity and inclusion.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Education
- Diversity and Inclusion
Background:
- The American Board of Urology (ABU) is committed to fostering diversity, quality, and inclusion.
- These principles are integral to the ABU's governance and certification processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the methodologies used by the ABU to cultivate diversity, quality, and inclusion.
- To establish a robust foundation for these principles within the ABU and its certification procedures.
Main Methods:
- The ABU comprises three main committees: Trustees, Written Exam, and Oral Exam.
- Annual gap analyses are conducted to assess alignment between committee composition and the urological community served.
- New member selection balances individual merit with efforts to match or exceed national diversity ratios.
Main Results:
- Current committee structure: 85% male, 15% female, compared to national census data of 90% male, 10% female.
- Racial/ethnic composition: White non-Hispanic 74% (vs. 81% census), Hispanic 1% (vs. 4%), Asian 22% (vs. 12%), Black/African American 3% (vs. 2%).
Conclusions:
- Demographic ratio evaluation is a vital first step toward achieving diversity.
- Sustaining diversity requires ongoing educational initiatives on its benefits and structural processes.
- Continuous effort and systemic changes are imperative for maintaining diversity within governing boards.
Introduction:
The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the methods we employ to build a foundation of diversity, quality and inclusion within the American Board of Urology and its certifying processes.
Methods:
The American Board of Urology consists of 3 major committees: the Trustees of the Board and the Written and Oral Exam Committees. Yearly, before selecting new members to these committees, a Gap analysis is performed to evaluate discrepancies between the committee structure and the constituents we serve. The selection of new committee members is based on both the individual's merit and an attempt to match or supersede the diversity ratios described within the most current national census conducted by the American Urological Association.
Results:
This year's evaluation revealed our committee structure consisting of 85% (98/115) male and 15% (17/115) women: National Census 90% and 10% respectively. Regarding race and ethnicity, White nonHispanic: 74% (85/115) compared to 81% (National Census); Hispanic: 1% (1/115) compared to 4%; Asian: 22% (25/115) compared to 12%; Black/African American 3% (4/115) compared to 2%.
Conclusions:
The American Board of Urology recognizes that the evaluation of ratios is an excellent initial step to establish diversity; however, ratios alone may not change behavior or attitudes. To reach our eventual goal, we must include educational efforts that inform our diplomates and committee members regarding the benefits of diversity. We also acknowledge that establishing and maintaining diversity within any governing board is an imperative that requires continuous and structural processes to be sustained.
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