Moving Beyond Words: Leveraging Financial Resources to Improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Academic Medical Centers

Abstract

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts at academic medical centers (AMCs) began prior to 2020, but have been accelerated after the death of George Floyd, leading many AMCs to recommit their support for DEI. Institutions crafted statements to decry racism, but we assert that institutions must make a transparent, continuous, and robust financial investment to truly show their commitment to DEI. This financial investment should focus on (1) advocacy efforts for programs that will contribute to DEI in health, (2) pipeline programs to support and guide minoritized students to enter health professions, and (3) the recruitment and retention of minoritized faculty. While financial investments will not eliminate all DEI concerns within AMCs, investing significant financial resources consistently and intentionally will better position AMCs to truly advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within healthcare, the community, and beyond.