The Healio article discusses the efforts of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy’s (ASGE) diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) subcommittee to address disparities and lack of equitable care in gastroenterology. The subcommittee aims to bring important DEI issues to the forefront and offer solutions to mitigate existing disparities in the field. Key highlights from the article include:
Impact of Disparities on Providers and Patients: Disparities in gastroenterology affect job satisfaction, retention, and education for providers, as well as patient access to care and their sense of acceptance.
ASGE’s DEI Initiatives: ASGE’s DEI subcommittee has been working to address these issues through various initiatives, including interviews and discussions on topics such as flexible parental leave policies, racial diversity in clinical trials, care initiatives for LGBTQIA+ patients, and insurance expansion to reduce colorectal cancer screening disparities.
Striving for Inclusion and Belonging: Victoria Gómez, MD, FASGE, emphasizes the importance of striving for inclusion and belonging, not just diversity and equity. This approach aims to ensure that both patients and employees feel happy and fulfilled in their healthcare environments.
Key Interviews and Discussions: The article recaps interviews with ASGE’s DEI subcommittee members on various topics:
- The importance of flexible parental leave policies in promoting inclusivity and reducing burnout in gastroenterology.
- The need for equitable access for foreign medical graduates to strengthen research and patient care.
- Addressing racial disparities in treatment initiation and response in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
- Prioritizing acceptance and acknowledging sexual health when caring for LGBTQ+ patients.
- Strategies for mitigating disparities in colorectal cancer screening, including expanding insurance and access to care.
- Incorporating DEI into gastroenterology training to mitigate unconscious and implicit biases.
DEI in Gastroenterology Training: The article also highlights the importance of incorporating DEI topics into gastroenterology training to improve patient outcomes, treatment satisfaction, and reduce healthcare costs.
The ASGE’s DEI subcommittee’s efforts represent a comprehensive approach to addressing and mitigating disparities in gastroenterology, with a focus on creating an inclusive environment that benefits both healthcare providers and patients.