In the healthcare industry, we are seeing movements to address Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Academic medicine programs are creating equity and diversity commissions, and hospitals are assembling committees and focus groups. However, not every medical practice has the adequate resources and staffing to create a commission to examine the environment and identify strategies for improvement. This article focuses on a more individualized approach, asking:
What we can do as individuals to address these concerns as we go forward?
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to achieve the following:
- Understand the positive impact of diversity, inclusion and equity on the physician/patient relationship.
- Explain how implicit bias can undermine the success of a medical practice.
- Address instances of explicit discrimination and/or inappropriate behavior in a medical practice.
- State specific actions that can be taken by healthcare leaders to improve diversity and inclusion for patients and staff members.
Accreditation Statement:
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Medical Society of New Jersey through the joint providership of Health Research Education and Trust of New Jersey (HRET) and MDAdvantage Insurance Company. HRET is accredited by the Medical Society of NJ to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA Credit Designation Statement:.
HRET designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Disclosure:
The content of this activity does not relate to any product of a commercial interest as defined by the ACCME; therefore, there are no relevant financial relationships to disclose. No commercial funding has been accepted for the activity. This article was peer reviewed in accordance with the MDAdvisor Guidelines for Peer Review.