Hépatologie et science pancréatique

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Gastroenterology and Hepatology: A Look at Our Current Situation

Abstract

Christoph Shen

Introduction: In light of the growing focus on medicine's representation, we wanted to find out how gastroenterology (GI) and hepatology professionals in the United States perceive the current state of racial and ethnic workforce diversity and health care disparities.

Methods: A 33-item electronic cross-sectional survey was developed and distributed to members of five national GI and hepatology societies. The survey's topics were broken down into thematic modules, and respondents were asked to share their thoughts on racial and ethnic diversity in the workforce, health care disparities in GI and hepatology, and possible strategies to increase diversity in the workforce and increase health equity.

Results: Of the 1219 people who took the survey, 62.3% were men, 48.7% were non-Hispanic White, and 19.9% were from underrepresented medical backgrounds. Insufficient representation of underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups in the education and training pipeline (n=431; 35.4%), in professional leadership (n=340; 27.9%), and among practicing GI and hepatology professionals (n=324; 26.6%) were the most frequently reported barriers to increasing racial and ethnic diversity in GI and hepatology. There were 545 [44.7%] opportunities for career mentorship, 520 [42.7%] opportunities for medical students, and 473 [38.8%] leadership roles in programs and professional societies for underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups as suggested interventions.

Conclusion: The perspectives that professionals in gastrointestinal and hepatology hold regarding health equity and racial and ethnic representation were examined in our survey. The findings ought to serve as a springboard for professional societies, academic institutions, and other organizations aiming to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our field. They should also inform future interventions to address workforce diversity and establish priorities toward improving health equity.