Background and Objectives: Recruitment of underrepresented minorities (URM) in medicine has risen to the forefront as a strategy to address health inequities, but the experiences of URM residents within their own programs are poorly understood. We describe the development and implementation of a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) climate survey at our residency program, the results of which have informed our DEI efforts. Methods: A resident-faculty work group collaboratively developed an 81-item questionnaire, informed by other institutional climate surveys. We administered the survey annually from 2018 through 2021 to all residents and faculty at our large academic family medicine residency program. The anonymous survey covered six key areas: general climate, climate for specific group, personal experience with discrimination and harassment, recruitment, burnout, and curriculum. Results: Average response rates were 84% and 50% for residents and faculty, respectively. Survey results show low satisfaction with resident and faculty diversity; higher rates of burnout for respondents who self-identify as URM, persons of color (POC), and/or LGBTQ; and racial and gender differences in experiences of workplace discrimination and sexual harassment. Conclusions: Instituting an annual internal climate survey at our residency has provided invaluable information regarding the perspectives and experiences of our residents and faculty that has informed our DEI initiatives. We envision that our survey will inform continual improvement and serve as a model for similar introspection leading to meaningful action at other programs.

Participation in cancer research trials by minority populations is imperative in reducing disparities in clinical outcomes. Even with increased awareness of the importance of minority patient inclusion in clinical research to improve cancer care and survival, significant barriers persist in accruing and retaining minority patients into clinical trials. This study sought to identify and address barriers to minority accrual to a minimal risk clinical research study in real‐time.

Introduction: Cancer rehabilitation can be preventive, restorative, supportive, and palliative. The rehabilitation goals change as the cancer pathway alters. Following any treatment for head and neck cancer, a physiatrist plays an essential role in preventing various complications and helping patients to mitigate impairments and restore function, optimizing their quality of life. Case description: This is a case study of a 56-year-old man with squamous cell cancer of the tongue managed with glossectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. He also has a remote history of acute myeloid leukemia involving the central nervous system, presenting with seizure and infective endocarditis. He underwent a sternotomy and an aortic valve replacement. His postoperative course was complicated by sternal infection, bradycardia with agonal breathing, and a weak pulse, for which the patient underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation and achieved return of spontaneous circulation and was intubated and managed with antibiotics. He had a tracheostomy and underwent aggressive pulmonary toileting and suctioning in acute care. As the patient stabilized, he was transferred to in-patient rehabilitation. Interventions: While the patient was in the in-patient rehabilitation unit, cancer rehabilitation issues were addressed, including swallowing, pulmonary rehabilitation, management of upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis and infection, bowel and bladder issues, skin care, and evaluation of mental status. The patient’s cancer prognosis and future were discussed in collaboration with his oncologist. He was discharged with a palliative care plan. Conclusion: This report illustrates the significance of physical medicine and rehabilitation in management of cancer patients, as most cancer patients experience some deconditioning that results in physical challenges. As the prognosis for most types of cancers improves, it becomes more important to ensure that all cancer patients regain maximum function in the broadest sense to maximize their independence.

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