Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in Family Medicine
We look at all of our work for opportunities to close disparities in care, health and the family physician workforce.
The AAFP has long been focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in family medicine. Members have access to resources that advance health equity created by the Academy's Center for Diversity & Health Equity (CDHE), Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness in Family Medicine (CDEI-FM) and The EveryONE Project.
"Our commission will inform, develop, promote and evaluate recommendations, policies and procedures that promote health equity, reduce health disparities and foster inclusive, person-centered care across a wide range of topics and not limited to those underrepresented in medicine. LGBTQ+, ability (including physician ability), workforce development, health equity, social justice and anti-racism in medicine. Often when we talk about diversity, people hear that term and think just about race or gender. But it is much broader than that."
Ada Stewart, MD, FAAFP, Chair of the Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness in Family Medicine
What Is DEI in Primary Care?
Diversity
Physicians, patients, practice types and populations have unique characteristics that are influenced by socio-economic status, race, religion, age, gender, ability, and many other factors.
Equity
Eliminating avoidable and unfair differences among individuals or groups will level the health care landscape so everyone has a fair opportunity to attain their full potential.
Inclusion
Physicians, patients and students who want to enter medicine should have equitable opportunities in health care that demonstrate everyone is equally valued and welcome.
DEI in Family Medicine: How the AAFP Is Closing Gaps
Rather than confining DEI to a separate workstream, the AAFP looks for opportunities to address disparities and improve the health care environment for everyone in all of our work.
Steps We're Taking
- Engage with public health stakeholders to rebuild and transform a collaborative infrastructure that values health equity and health care for all.
- Position family physicians and the AAFP to take the lead in advancing equity in family medicine through focused work in research and education.
- Increase student choice of family medicine, including in underrepresented populations, to foster more health care workforce diversity.
- Expand and support high-quality family medicine GME positions.
- Assess barriers to leadership and make changes to level the playing field.
- Elevate family medicine through public messages on holidays and other days of cultural importance.