AAMC Officer Emphasizes Need for Divergent Perspectives in Medical Education

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer visited the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Feb. 7, and urged the campus to embrace inclusive excellence.

“The benefits of diversity and inclusion can only be leveraged if the entire institution is open to see the value of people’s differences and what they bring to the table,” David Acosta, MD, said. “By leveraging this, it will make all the difference in where you go as a campus and how you become a leader within the field.”

Dr. Acosta met with key leaders, including Dean Guy Reed, MD, MS, and Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion Francisco Lucio, JD, as well as the medical school’s diversity committee, and delivered a lecture on inclusive excellence in medical education.

“Aim a little higher,” Dr. Acosta said. “When you’ve achieved inclusive excellence, it ensures that everyone is invited to the table to share equitably in all opportunities.”

A divergent perspective leads to innovation, creativity and the ability to better solve complex problems, he said. However, Dr. Acosta added that diversity alone is not enough; it must be linked to inclusion.

The visit was well-timed, as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is in the midst of unveiling its strategic plan, which focuses on inclusive excellence.

“Our strategic plan aligns with what is happening with the AAMC on a national level,” Lucio said. “The alignment is an indication that we are going in the right direction.”

The diversity office is compiling feedback from students and staff on its strategic plan, one that Lucio hopes everyone can embrace.

“The leadership has been wonderfully supportive,” he said. “They understand that the Office of Diversity and Inclusion is the activators and facilitators of the plan, but every individual, unit and department will be critical in the overall success of it.”

Dr. Acosta discussed how he believed the strategic plan will be a nice roadmap, and although it will take a lot of work, the benefits will be vast.

“The College of Medicine needs to focus on diversity and inclusion because the patients deserve it,” he said. “We are in an age in which every community is diverse. We have immigrants everywhere in the United States and you never know who will walk through your door. To be an excellent physician, you need to be able to understand different perspectives based off experiences, culture, customs and beliefs, and how they perceive health and wellness.”

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