Increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Allied Health Using Ten Best Practices

Major events and growing social justice movements have placed a spotlight on health disparities and created an urgency for action addressing racism in healthcare and education. Selected literature highlights the importance of incorporating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) into organizational culture and strategy. This commentary summarizes ten best practices as operationalized at a midwestern college within an academic medical center. These best practices include systematic assessment, committed funding, appropriate selection of who does the work, intentionality, setting expectations, identity formation, dissemination, record keeping, and prioritization of DEI. Additionally, adoption of a strong diversity statement, allotment of scholarship support, an inventory of diversity and inclusion activities, the appointment of a Director of Diversity and Inclusion, and two DEI training initiatives are discussed: SEED training focuses on individual development and self-awareness, while Stepping In training provides concrete skills to address instances of racism. The commentary concludes by emphasizing the need for ongoing formal assessments to gage degree of change and DEI competence achieved.