(Research Hub Theater) A Call to Action: Development of an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Leadership Track Within a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program

Background and/or Objectives: There is a dearth in representation of diversity amongst resident physicians to reflect the needs of the populations we serve in the US. The University of Utah’s PM&R Department has created a Leadership Track focusing on Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) to stimulate a more inclusive, equitable, knowledgeable, and proactive workforce, equipped to reduce healthcare barriers in our community.

Design: Dr. Pamela Hansen (Program Director) and Adriana Garcia (Program Manager) collaborated with other faculty to elect two residents to pioneer the program. A preset budget was available for events and financial support for resident Co-Chairs. Meetings during training hours served as platforms to discuss tangible changes and initiatives to promote diversity in the program and community.

Objectives: Create a university-sponsored track that empowers resident physicians to lead and facilitate meaningful community service/outreach events, engage in leadership development, and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Setting : Craig Nielsen Rehabilitation Hospital and the University of Utah’s PM&R Residency.

Participants : PM&R residents, faculty, and staff.

Interventions: Monthly initiatives surrounding the core principles of this residency leadership track: community service, celebrating unique identities, and mitigating inequality experienced by medically underrepresented populations.

Main Outcome Measures: Attendance at events and surveys following events will measure the impact on resident opportunities and engagement in advocacy, service and education focused on health equity.

Results: At the time of the Annual Assembly, we will have the attendance at all events for the past year documented as well as our surveys which measure personal well-being, feeling meaning in one’s work, knowledge of Social Determinants of Health (SDH) and likelihood of participating in advocacy in the future.

Conclusions: We created a resident-led PM&R EDI leadership track. We believe this track will facilitate positive changes within our community and support URM retention in the coming years.