Drawing on the perspectives and expertise of all sectors of the population enhances excellence and scientific rigor in the health sciences. The inclusion of gender and racial groups underrepresented in the health sciences produces higher rates of scientific innovation.¹ ² Furthermore, increased representation of historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in the medical workforce improves patient outcomes and reduces health disparities, as systemic racism is deeply embedded in US healthcare.³
Unfortunately, despite the demonstrated benefits of diversity, there are renewed, scientifically unfounded attacks on efforts in the health sciences and higher education that focus on inclusion, diversity, and equity. However, our data and the work of others suggest that these efforts actually enhance scientific rigor and integrity while reducing bias.
The novel concept of “inclusive excellence” was put forward by Williams and colleagues⁴ in 2005 to address the lack of students historically underrepresented by race and ethnicity in higher education, to increase their presence, and to support their performance and success in the educational system. Inclusive excellence was defined as excellence that:
- Draws on the expertise and skills of a broad range of different groups of people;
- Provides equal opportunity, regardless of differences;
- Supports all people in attaining their optimal contributions and accomplishments.
Recently, there has been renewed interest in fostering a culture of inclusive excellence, and several studies have illustrated the benefits of diverse team members in creativity, decision-making, and scientific outcomes.¹ ² Notably, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have embraced this approach as an objective for research in biomedical and health sciences.⁵
“NIH’s ability to help ensure that the nation remains a global leader in scientific discovery and innovation is dependent upon a pool of highly talented scientists from diverse backgrounds who will help to further NIH’s mission. Research shows that diverse teams working together and capitalizing on innovative ideas and distinct perspectives outperform homogenous teams. Scientists and trainees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences bring different perspectives, creativity, and individual enterprise to address complex scientific problems. There are many benefits that flow from a diverse NIH-supported scientific workforce, including: fostering scientific innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, contributing to robust learning environments, improving the quality of research, advancing the likelihood that underserved or health disparity populations participate in and benefit from health research, and enhancing public trust.”
Additionally, the Association of American Medical Colleges continues to speak out and act for change to eliminate racism in academic medicine. Following their lead, numerous universities and organizations have made program-supporting awards to promote inclusive excellence.
Nevertheless, organizational culture change is complex and difficult in higher education, and it may be especially challenging in medical schools where the campus often extends to include one or more teaching hospitals where medical practice is learned. Health disparities have been widely reported in the medical literature, and having a diverse faculty capable of identifying, understanding, and addressing these disparities is vitally important.
