Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee update — December 2021

As we approach the first anniversary of the convening of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC), I am pleased to share with you the Committee’s accomplishments.

The ASCI bylaws state that the DEIC “ensures that the organization, its programs, and its mentoring mechanisms promote and recognize diversity, inclusion, and equity.”

With these goals in mind, the Committee has developed foundational documents, the first of which is intended to establish a common understanding of key terms. This text outlines the considerations underlying the definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and presents the term underrepresented in medicine and science (UiMS) in reference to populations that are underrepresented in medicine and science relative to their numbers in the general US population.

The second is the Society’s effort to collect detailed demographic information. We started this collection as part of the 2022 member nomination process  — our first data set. From here, we will endeavor to collect this information in all areas of the ASCI.

You can now provide your demographic details through your member account. The data collected will allow us to determine the current makeup of the Society’s populations, areas needing attention, and changes over time. Information will be kept confidential, and data will be deidentified for any reporting. All response areas are voluntary. We welcome your feedback (via staff@the-asci.org) and will incorporate changes as appropriate.

I look forward to bringing you news of further steps the Committee and the ASCI undertake in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Sincerely on behalf of the Committee,

Sophie Paczesny, MD, PhD
Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee