The Science and Value of Diversity: Closing the Gaps in Our Understanding of Inclusion and Diversity

TLDR

Diversity fuels excellence and innovation in biomedical sciences, yet barriers in recruitment, retention, education, and promotion hinder its full realization. The authors outline challenges, opportunities, and actionable suggestions for the field, institutions, and individuals to reduce bias and advance equity, representation, and excellence in clinical practice and research. Their findings suggest a hopeful future where fair, collaborative approaches strengthen the biomedical workforce.

Abstract

Diversity drives excellence. Diversity enhances innovation in biomedical sciences and, as it relates to novel findings and treatment of diverse populations, in the field of infectious diseases. There are many obstacles to achieving diversity in the biomedical workforce, which create challenges at the levels of recruitment, retention, education, and promotion of individuals. Here we present the challenges, opportunities, and suggestions for the field, institutions, and individuals to adopt in mitigating bias and achieving greater levels of equity, representation, and excellence in clinical practice and research. Our findings provide optimism for a bright future of fair and collaborative approaches that will enhance the power of our biomedical workforce.