We are All Leaders: Introducing Self-Leadership Concepts Through the Lens of Improving Diversity in the Health Care Workforce

The impact of underrepresented minority or marginalized identity status on training outcomes of MD-PhD students

Dual-degree MD-PhD programs have historically lacked diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other facets of identity. Like MD- and PhD-granting programs, MD-PhD program training environments are also marked by structural barriers that negatively impact measurable academic outcomes of underrepresented and/or marginalized students in academic medicine (racial and ethnic minority groups considered underrepresented by the National Institute of Health, sexual and gender minorities, individuals with disabilities, and individuals of low socioeconomic status). In this article, we review the existing literature on MD-PhD program disparities affecting students from these groups and provide recommendations grounded on the reviewed evidence. Our literature review identified four generalizable barriers that can impact the training outcomes of students from these marginalized and/or underrepresented groups: 1) discrimination and bias, 2) impostor syndrome and stereotype threat, 3) lack of identity-similar mentors, and 4) suboptimal institutional policies and procedures. We propose goal-oriented interventions that may begin to ameliorate the disparities present in MD-PhD program training environments that affect students from marginalized and/or underrepresented groups in academic medicine.

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Engagement and Leadership Opportunities for Trainees

INTRODUCTION

To achieve a healthier future for all, improving diversity through efforts such as diversifying faculty and leadership in academic medicine is imperative. Therefore, medical trainees (medical students, residents, fellows) from groups underrepresented in medicine (UiM) are encouraged to pursue academic careers and have opportunities to gain faculty leadership skills during their training. Trainees also need exposure to the leadership positions within various offices of an academic institution such as the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The goal of this module is to expose UiM trainees to the Office of DEI and leadership competencies that can be obtained via service and leadership opportunities with it.

METHODS

The Kern model was used in the development, implementation, and evaluation of this 75-minute workshop. The workshop consisted of a PowerPoint presentation, reflection exercises, and case discussion to raise trainees' awareness of the Office of DEI and opportunities to become engaged with and develop faculty leadership competencies through the office.

RESULTS

Sixty-six diverse learners across three sites completed pre- and postworkshop surveys. Ninety-five percent of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the learning objectives of the workshop had been met.

DISCUSSION

Overall, this interactive workshop facilitated learners' awareness of the responsibilities of the Office of DEI and opportunities for learners to develop faculty leadership competencies through engagement. Although primarily evaluated among medical students, the module can be of use to learners and faculty of other health professions programs with an Office of DEI.