Resident Perspectives on the Current State of Diversity in Graduate Medical Education

Abstract

Background: Diversity continues to be an important topic to physicians in training. Objective: We set out to define current issues related to diversity in graduate medical education; explore these topics with a multispecialty group of current residents and fellows; and identify programmatic, institutional, and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education actions to support diversity in the medical profession. Methods: A 35-member, multispecialty council of residents and fellows used a World Café diversity and inclusion exercise to highlight current issues related to diversity. Results: Several common issues in diversity were identified, including microaggressions, team member relationships, underrepresentation of workplace discrimination, and tolerance of unacceptable behavior to conform to workplace norms. Suggestions and methods to improve these diversity issues were also proposed. Conclusions: As trainees, we must continue to implement strategies and policies that allow us to embrace diversity in our workplace and community for our patients and ourselves. Only with the continued support of residency and institutional leadership can we improve the state of diversity in our training programs.