Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts are frequently mischaracterized and misunderstood. AAMCNews recently spoke with leaders and experts in this area to help dispel some of the common myths about DEI: Six common myths about diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical schools. I encourage you to read this article and share it with your community, as it brings some clarity to the national conversation about DEI efforts in medicine.
More than a dozen states have placed legal restrictions on DEI efforts. Nationally, legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would prohibit medical schools from receiving federal funding if they adopt policies and requirements relating to DEI. A similar bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate. In response, Reps. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) introduced a House resolution recognizing the importance of DEI programs and academic freedom at medical education institutions.
I know that many of you are engaged in discussions at your institutions around the importance and impact of DEI, and that these conversations require data, empathy, and nuance. In addition to the myth-busting AAMCNews article above, here are two additional resources to assist in facilitating these conversations:
AAMC Fact Sheet: Medical Schools Educate to Improve Everyone’s Health
Website: Importance of Diversity in Health Care, includes definitions of key terms, links to legal and policy resources, news and feature stories, and videos
Please let me know if you have questions or feedback on these resources.
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David Acosta
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Association of American Medical Colleges
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