The Diversity Efforts Disparity in Academic Medicine

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 24;18(9):4529. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18094529.

Abstract

The diversity efforts disparity in academic medicine can be defined as part of the minority tax that negatively impacts faculty who are underrepresented in medicine. This disparity can be defined as differences between minority and non-minority faculty in their recruitment or assignment by the institution to address diversity issues, climate concerns and conflict around inclusion in academic medicine. It can manifest as disproportionate committee service, being asked to be the face of diversity for the school on websites or brochures or being asked to serve on diversity task forces or initiatives. In this article, the author further characterizes the diversity efforts disparity and provides recommendations for how to identify and address it in academic medicine.

Keywords: academic medicine; diversity efforts disparity; underrepresented minority faculty.

MeSH terms

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Faculty, Medical*
  • Humans
  • Medicine*
  • Minority Groups
  • Organizations
  • United States