A Message from SGIM Leadership
Over the last several years, SGIM has refocused our efforts to intentionally create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive professional home for our members. At a time when DEI discussions are at an all-time high, we are committed to not only having these conversations but also making the necessary changes to be better personally and professionally. Our goal is to make SGIM a fully inclusive society that embraces diversity and empowers all members to effectively contribute to SGIM’s mission, irrespective of the member’s age, sex/gender, race/ethnicity, religion, economic background, disability, country of origin, or institutional affiliation.
In July 2020, Council established a DEI Workgroup. Under the leadership of Dr. Bimla Schwarz, the DEI Workgroup was charged with:
- Identifying opportunities to refine SGIM’s internal programmatic processes and procedures;
- Advising SGIM on external collaborations, alliances, and outreach that warrant additional investment and
- Presenting recommendations to the SGIM Council by the end of December 2020.
In collaboration with the Health Equity Commission (HEC) and the Women and Medicine Commission (WAMC), the DEI Workgroup outlined several recommendations focusing on data tracking and assessment, setting policies and communication with our members, and overall external relationships. With the support of our leadership and staff colleagues, SGIM has created an ambitious timeline to address each recommendation.
In addition, SGIM will continue to engage our volunteer groups to ensure that we are integrating DEI concepts into all organization-wide work plans. Read the DEI Workgroup’s full recommendations here.
We wholeheartedly acknowledge that this is only step one. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to all that we do, and this work is not an “add-on” activity. As SGIM leaders, we are dedicated to this work of creating a fundamentally diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all. Join us on this path as we work to improve our lifelong learning community.
Racial Equity Resources
Ensuring Equity Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Society of General Internal Medicine Statement to Members:
June 5, 2020
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus spurred an unprecedented global pandemic, leaving over 1 million Americans infected with COVID-19. Disturbingly, the data related to COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and deaths have demonstrated alarming racial and ethnic disparities across the United States.
A Message on Racial Injustice From SGIM Executive Leadership and Staff
June 2, 2020
The Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) stands against racial injustice, inequality, white supremacy, or police violence of any kind. SGIM vehemently condemns the brutal murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others. We refuse to be silent in the face of callous injustice.
REIMAGINING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN MEDICAL ACADEMIA
October 3, 2023
SGIM FORUM PERSPECTIVE
Yousaf Ali, MD, MS
Higher educational institutions have historically been bastions of knowledge. Controversies have recently engulfed some of these esteemed institutions regarding their history, including exclusivity and marginalization, which are often rooted in race/ethnicity, gender, generational wealth, legacy1, and disability. Today, many institutions are striving to rewrite their narrative by increasing minority staffing, under the guise of broadening perspectives and fostering innovation.
