Open AccessRole of Institutional Climate in Fostering Diversity in Biomedical Research Workforce: A Case Study
Author(s) -
Butts Gary C.,
Hurd Yasmin,
Palermo AnnGel S.,
Delbrune Denise,
Saran Suman,
Zony Chati,
Krulwich Terry A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
mount sinai journal of medicine: a journal of translational and personalized medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1931-7581
pISSN - 0027-2507
DOI - 10.1002/msj.21323
Subject(s) - diversity (politics) , workforce , mount , inclusion (mineral) , medicine , medical education , political science , sociology , social science , engineering , mechanical engineering , law
This article reviews the barriers to diversity in biomedical research and describes the evolution of efforts to address climate issues to enhance the ability to attract, retain, and develop underrepresented minorities, whose underrepresentation is found both in science and medicine, in the graduate‐school biomedical research doctoral programs (PhD and MD/PhD) at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. We also describe the potential beneficial impact of having a climate that supports diversity and inclusion in the biomedical research workforce. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine diversity‐climate efforts are discussed as part of a comprehensive plan to increase diversity in all institutional programs: PhD, MD/PhD, and MD, and at the residency, postdoctoral fellow, and faculty levels. Lessons learned from 4 decades of targeted programs and activities at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine may be of value to other institutions interested in improving diversity in the biomedical science and academic medicine workforce. Mt Sinai J Med 79:498–511, 2012 © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine