A Learning Assessment to Increase Diversity in Academic Health Sciences

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Health Equity Research
• Academic Medicine

Background:

• Racial and ethnic disparities persist in academic health science institutions.
• There is a critical need for evidence-based strategies to promote equity in recruitment, promotion, and retention.
• Existing interventions require evaluation for their effectiveness in advancing racial equity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and evaluate evidence-based strategies for advancing racial and ethnic equity in academic health sciences.
• To provide actionable recommendations for policy and institutional interventions.
• To address disparities in recruitment, promotion, and retention.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative surveys, qualitative in-depth interviews, and a scoping literature review.
• Survey data from 328 participants, interviews with 60 stakeholders, and analysis of 366 articles formed the evidence base.
• Findings from each assessment component were triangulated to identify common themes and actionable strategies.

Main Results:

• 13 common themes and meaningful strategies for advancing racial and ethnic equity emerged across all data sources.
• Successful strategies for recruitment, promotion, and retention were identified.
• Key challenges and barriers to achieving equity in academic health sciences were revealed.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a comprehensive set of 13 actionable strategies to advance racial and ethnic equity in academic health sciences.
• Triangulated findings offer a robust foundation for policy development and institutional change.
• Implementing these strategies can help dismantle systemic barriers and foster inclusive environments.