Spectrum of Diversity in Today’s Infectious Diseases Workforce: It’s Much Broader and Brighter Than You Think

Gil, Raul Macias; Hardy, William

doi:10.1093/infdis/jiz242

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Given the distinct lack of diversity in the field, it is essential to address the social support needs of URMs who are training to enter the health sciences, including those who are pursuing HIV research as a career path. 5,6,9–11 Our results demonstrate that high school students participating in health science pathway programs may especially be in need of supports (eg, enhanced financial and mentorship support) to complete their educational journeys. Ultimately, health science pathway programs that are responsive to the needs of URM students will lead to more equitable health outcomes for minority populations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Studies demonstrate that underrepresentation directly leads to poor quality of care and negative health outcomes, [6][7][8] so, unsurprisingly, people of color, LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) people, and individuals with low incomes are disproportionately affected by health inequities. [9][10][11] As in other health care fields, the HIV workforce is not representative of the diversity of patients it serves. 12 This lack of representation directly contributes to the HIV disparities experienced by individuals who are Black, MSM, LGBTQ+, and other minority and marginalized populations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…12,13 For HIV research, it can lead to decontextualized, imprecise studies with limited generalizability and impact. 9,12 Pathway programs for wide range of age groups and experience levels have been funded by federal agencies, academic institutions, and foundations to address the lack of representation in the HIV research workforce. 12,[14][15][16][17] Success hinges on these programs' abilities to address structural barriers that URMs face when pursuing an HIV research career, necessitating leveraging social capital and support, which are associated with URMs persisting through schooling and into health science careers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1–5 Studies demonstrate that underrepresentation directly leads to poor quality of care and negative health outcomes, 6–8 so, unsurprisingly, people of color, LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) people, and individuals with low incomes are disproportionately affected by health inequities. 9–11…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…12,13 For HIV research, it can lead to decontextualized, imprecise studies with limited generalizability and impact. 9,12…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Social Support Assets and Needs of Underrepresented Students Participating in Health Sciences Pathways Programs in Birmingham, Alabama

McCollum,

Carodine,

Chiedo

et al. 2023

JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

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Background: Using the Asset Bundle Model, we sought to understand the social support assets and needs of underrepresented minority (URM) high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Setting: Study participants were or had participated in health sciences pathway programs at Birmingham City Schools and/or the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Methods: We took a concurrent mixed methods approach to conduct an environmental scan of health science pathway programs in the Birmingham, AL area. Four focus groups were conducted between November 2022 and January 2023, and a 225-item online survey was administered between November 4, 2022, and February 4, 2023. Both tools collected data from high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to examine key components of existing health care pathways programs for URMs and identify barriers and facilitators to successful implementation of such programs. Results: Twenty-two students participated in the focus groups, and 168 individuals responded to the survey. Both focus group participants and interview respondents were primarily URMs (eg, 68.2% and 65.7% identified as Black or African American, respectively). Survey responses and focus group discussions showed that, overall, undergraduate and graduate students programs develop more robust identities as future health care professionals through friendships and institutional supports, expand their networks more broadly through mentorship, and feel more supported by family members in their academic endeavors than high school students. Conclusions: Health science pathway programs for URMs should facilitate and bolster social supports for students, especially those in high school, to enhance persistence through education and into the workforce.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%