Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts in Graduate Medical Education: Identifying Opportunities for Collaborative Learning.

Abstract

Background Physician-patient racial and cultural concordance is essential to address health care disparities. Yet, limited literature on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) outcomes in graduate medical education (GME) suggests the need for high-yield DEI resources. Objectives To describe and identify DEI efforts by US residency program director (PD) associations and areas for collaboration among the GME community. Methods Through bimonthly teleconferences and 5 iterative revisions from June to September 2022, the DEI workgroup of the US Organization of PD Associations developed a 17-question needs assessment survey to investigate DEI activities across residency PD associations, which was delivered twice electronically from September to November 2022 to 30 specialty PD association representatives. Results Survey response rate was 73% (22 of 30). Specialties track resident demographics more than PD demographics (11 of 22, 50% vs 7 of 22, 32%). Tracked demographics vary and include race, gender, and sexual orientation. Most PD associations have DEI committees (16 of 22, 73%) implementing various initiatives, the most common of which was providing resources to ensure diverse representation (11 of 16, 69%). Most specialties provide residency recruitment resources (14 of 22, 64%) and funding for visiting rotations or mentorship for underrepresented trainees (12 of 22, 54%). Resources for pipeline programs (7 of 22, 32%) and retention of diverse residents (7 of 22, 32%) were less common. Faculty development training focused more on teaching DEI to residents (14 of 22, 64%) than on teaching health disparities (7 of 22, 32%). Conclusions Our study demonstrates substantial DEI interventions among specialty PD associations. Yet, educational gaps exist in specific DEI content, faculty development, and curricular dissemination.