Inclusion, Diversity, Access, and Equity in Infectious Diseases Fellowship Training: Tools for Program Directors

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Education
• Health Equity

Background:

• The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has prioritized inclusion, diversity, access, and equity (IDA&E).
• The IDSA IDA&E Task Force was established in 2018 to implement these principles.
• The IDSA Training Program Directors Committee convened in 2021 to address IDA&E in infectious disease (ID) fellowship education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present ideas and strategies for enhancing IDA&E in ID fellowship training.
• To serve as a reference for ID training program directors.
• To outline goals and strategies for recruitment, clinical training, didactics, and faculty development.

Main Methods:

• Discussion among ID Training Program Directors Committee members.
• Identification of best practices for IDA&E in ID fellowship education.
• Compilation of ideas and strategies for implementation.

Main Results:

• Specific goals and strategies were developed for recruitment, clinical training, didactics, and faculty development.
• The article presents a compilation of these ideas for practical application.
• Guidance is provided for ID training program directors.

Conclusions:

• Implementing IDA&E principles is crucial for advancing infectious disease clinical practice, education, and research.
• This document serves as a valuable resource for program directors aiming to foster inclusive training environments.
• The strategies discussed can help shape future infectious disease professionals committed to equity.