Dear Colleagues:
Equity Really Matters!
Sometimes we confuse equity and equality, thinking the words mean basically the same thing. They actually do not. Webster’s has multiple definitions for the word or concept of equal including: "of the same measure, quantity, amount, or number as another; or like in quality, nature, or status." However, it defines ‘equity’ as: "justice according to natural law or right; freedom from bias or favoritism" - very important differences, particularly when applied to work advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and social justice (DEI).
The Alliance was invited by ACGME and Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) and the Organization of Program Director Associations (OPDA) to join more than 30 professional associations and societies, and health care-related organizations to participate in a phenomenal pilot project called EQUITY MATTERS. Participants were divided into four cohorts, engaged through multiple learning sessions, and offered opportunities to discuss how their organizations are working with their members and customers to address important issues like DEI, anti-racism, social justice, and advocacy. Each organization also has the opportunity to develop a capstone project that addresses a need—ways to improve medical education curriculum, mentoring and coaching underrepresented faculty to support their advancement and sense of belonging in environments that may feel unwelcoming, looking at how bias, language and culture in organizations impact both those being cared for, and those providing that care.
Each invited organization was asked to appoint three leaders to serve as a core team for the project, and participate in a cohort. Our core team is led by APDIM Council President Susan Lane, MD. Tamara Goldberg, MD, FACP, and I are the other core team members.
As you might imagine, this is an ambitious endeavor! To develop and deliver a capstone project that will yield useful DEI tools and resources for Alliance members, we convened an Equity Matters Project Implementation Team. Over the next six to eight months, the implementation team will work together to complete the capstone project.
Implementation Team Members:
Nicole Bird, MD
Bergitta Cotroneo, FACMPE
Lyle Fettig, MD
Tamara, Goldberg, MD
Olga Karasik, MD
Susan Lane, MD, FACP, Chair
Rachel Perlman, MD
Amber Pincavage, MD, FACP
Aditi Puri, MD
This is an exciting opportunity to embrace and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in our learning environments, educational programs, and workplaces. I look forward to providing future updates as the work of the Implementation Team moves forward.
Learn more about the Equity Matters project, and view associated learning sessions.
Warm regards,
Bergitta E. Cotroneo, FACMPE
AAIM Deputy Chief Executive Officer and EVP