Role of Institutional Climate in Fostering Diversity in Biomedical Research Workforce: A Case Study

• Published in: The Mount Sinai journal of medicine Vol. 79; no. 4; pp. 498 - 511
• Main Authors: Butts, Gary C., Hurd, Yasmin, Palermo, Ann‐Gel S., Delbrune, Denise, Saran, Suman, Zony, Chati, Krulwich, Terry A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.07.2012; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Biomedical research; Biomedical Research - manpower; Continental Population Groups; diversity; Education, Graduate; Education, Medical; Humans; institutional climate; Medicine; Minority Groups; New York City; Organizational Culture; Personnel Selection; Schools, Medical; underrepresented minorities; Workforce; New York City
• ISSN: 0027-2507; 1931-7581
• DOI: 10.1002/msj.21323

This article reviews the barriers to diversity in biomedical research and describes the evolution of efforts to address climate issues to enhance the ability to attract, retain, and develop underrepresented minorities, whose underrepresentation is found both in science and medicine, in the graduate‐school biomedical research doctoral programs (PhD and MD/PhD) at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. We also describe the potential beneficial impact of having a climate that supports diversity and inclusion in the biomedical research workforce. The Mount Sinai School of Medicine diversity‐climate efforts are discussed as part of a comprehensive plan to increase diversity in all institutional programs: PhD, MD/PhD, and MD, and at the residency, postdoctoral fellow, and faculty levels. Lessons learned from 4 decades of targeted programs and activities at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine may be of value to other institutions interested in improving diversity in the biomedical science and academic medicine workforce. Mt Sinai J Med 79:498–511, 2012 © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine