Clinical Education and Research

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The principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are pivotal to the landscape of medical education and research. By embracing diverse perspectives and experiences, we aim to foster innovation, enrich our learning environments, and enhance the quality of patient care, and by prioritizing equity, we can address health care disparities and ensure that research outcomes are applicable across diverse populations. Integrating DEI principles into medical education and research not only promotes fairness and social justice but also advances health care outcomes for all. Below are several programs within the Department of Pediatrics through which we work to cultivate more inclusive environments and advocate for equitable health care practices.

PedsBESAFE

PedsBESAFE is an anonymous and/or confidential, Department of Pediatrics–specific learning environment feedback tool for bias-related incidents and feedback. Our department gathers statistics about learning environment challenges and strengths, including those related to bias, and uses this data to create holistic, systemic solutions in partnership with division chiefs, medical directors, and program directors.

Health Equity StARR (Stimulating Access to Research in Residency) Program

The CUIMC NHLBI Health Equity StARR program, an R38 grant, is awarded to residents at VP&S who are dedicated to advancing health equity through health services, learning health systems, translational, basic science, and clinical research. Health Equity StARR program allows for a research year that will cover 80 percent of their salary, tuition, and fees, plus a $3,000 stipend. The remaining 20 percent of their salary and time will be dedicated to clinical care, supported by their department and residency program. The inaugural recipients of the award are pediatric residents Marcus Mosley, MD, MS and Olivia Maguire, MD, PhD (Physician-Scientist Program). Learn more about our StARR program.

Virtual Pediatrics Elective for Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) Students

The virtual pediatrics elective for UIM students will introduce visiting students to the structure and culture of the NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia Department of Pediatrics, teach students advanced concepts in pediatrics pertaining to clinical management, and promote team-building and self-reflection during this novel application cycle. The virtual rotation will expose students to the pediatric residency work and culture without the time, expense, or travel required for an in-person elective. Learn more about our virtual elective for UIM students.

ENRICH (“ENgaging Residents in Cultural Humility”)

ENRICH Program is an annual, week-long, program-wide experience. Afternoon workshop sessions are facilitated by faculty actively involved in the Pediatric Diversity and Inclusion Council and Community Pediatrics. The ENRICH curriculum aims to:

• Explore multiple perspectives in cross-cultural patient encounters
• Increase understanding of factors that decrease patient and provider satisfaction and therapeutic partnerships
• Build practical skills in addressing issues of equity in clinical encounters
• Engage in reflections around next steps for improving effective cross-cultural communication

Learn more about our Pediatric Residency Program.

DEI Resident Lecture Series

The Pediatric Diversity and Inclusion Council has crafted an extensive educational curriculum featuring morning and afternoon conferences dedicated to promoting inclusion and cultural competency. These sessions serve as a vital platform where health care professionals from diverse backgrounds engage in open discussions on critical subjects such as microaggressions, LGBTQ issues, gender bias, health disparities, and approaches to cultural and religious beliefs.

Structured as a longitudinal program, the curriculum enables learners to share their unique challenges and experiences, both within and beyond hospital settings, and explore their impact on training and patient care. By spotlighting these issues, participants develop practical strategies applicable to interactions with fellow health care providers, medical students, and patients alike.

Moreover, these initiatives foster an environment of mutual respect among team members, enhancing relationships and deepening understanding of the varied needs of the children under their care. This collaborative approach not only enriches the educational experience but also strengthens the commitment to equitable health care practices within the department.

Health Equity Rounds

Health Equity Rounds (HER) is a trainee-led, case-based conference series and curriculum designed to examine the influence bias has on patient care and the interpersonal, professional, and structural factors that perpetuate disparities. Through HER our training program aims to dissect the roots of health disparities and inequities, spanning historical legacies, contemporary drivers, and the pivotal roles of both individuals and institutions in their eradication. This initiative serves as an institutional effort to advance medical education and promote health equity.

Resident-focused Health Equity and Population Health Education

Dr. Patrisha Woolard, Pediatric Residency Program Director, was awarded the Department of Pediatrics' 2024 Children's Health Innovation Nucleation Fund Award for Education/Advocacy, and received a $15,000 grant for her proposal “Fostering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Learning Environment: Mapping Pediatrics Health Equity EPAs to Milestone Competency.” The proposal aims to examine current health equity and population health education, identify curricular gaps, and create an innovative assessment tool for training in health equity, centered on the longitudinal curricular mapping to entrustable professional activities as described by the American Board of Pediatrics.

The Future

Our overarching objective is to expand our efforts to a national level. Our work and accomplishments underscore our department’s considerable commitment to training pediatricians who provide patient-centered and culturally competent care to our diverse patient population. Future goals are aimed at strengthening our relationship with local community programs and creating opportunities for trainees, faculty, and staff to participate in diversity and inclusion-related research initiatives.