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. 2020 Jun;112(3):247-249.
doi: 10.1016/j.jnma.2020.03.014. Epub 2020 Apr 23.

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Healthcare Workforce

Fatima Cody Stanford  1
Affiliations

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Healthcare Workforce

Fatima Cody Stanford. J Natl Med Assoc. 2020 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Diversity and inclusion are terms that have been used widely in a variety of contexts, but these concepts have only been intertwined into the discussion in healthcare in the recent past. It is important to have a healthcare workforce which represents the tapestry of our communities as it relates to race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, physical disability status, and socioeconomic level to render the best possible care to our diverse patient populations.

Methods: We explore efforts by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the Institute of Medicine (IOM), and other medical organizations to improve diversity and inclusion in medicine.

Conclusion: Finally, we report on best practices, frameworks, and strategies which have been utilized to improve diversity and inclusion in healthcare.

Keywords: Diversity; Healthcare; Inclusion; Workforce.

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Conflict of interest statement

Compliance with Ethical Standards

The author has no conflicts of interest. There was no research conducted on either human participants or animals. As such, this work is exempt from ethical consideration. Additionally, no informed consent was necessary as there was no participation of human subjects.

References

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