The development of a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee in a neurology department and residency program

Abstract

BackgroundDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been described in different academic and graduate medical education settings, but not specifically in neurology. ObjectiveTo describe the development of a DEI committee within a neurology department and training program. MethodsThe need to prioritize DEI as a critical focus within our neurology department led to the appointment of an initial task force who identified strategic priorities and stakeholders to establish a committee. DEI committee members included faculty, trainees, and staff, and this phase of the initiative took place from May 2019 through January 2021. ResultsThe DEI committee was established and has met monthly for over one year. Initial meetings formulated goals of the initiative. Specific objectives were developed in the domains of recruitment, education, engagement, training, conflict resolution, and recognition. Early outcomes included augmented resident recruitment efforts of UiM students, curriculum changes including frequent representation of DEI topics in Grand Rounds, and measures to reduce unconscious bias. ConclusionsThe creation of a DEI Committee within a specialty department such as neurology is feasible and can result in immediate and long-term actions related to recruitment and education in particular. Our blueprint that heavily involves graduate medical education stakeholders may be generalizable to other specialty departments in academic medicine.