Group on Diversity and Inclusion (GDI)

Mission

The Group on Diversity and Inclusion (GDI) serves as a national forum and recognized resource to support the efforts of AAMC member institutions and academic medicine at the local, regional, and national levels to realize the benefits of diversity and inclusion in medicine and biomedical sciences.

Purpose

The purpose of the GDI is to unite expertise, experience, and innovation to inform and guide the advancement of diversity and inclusion throughout academic medicine.

About Diversity

Diversity as a core value embodies inclusiveness, mutual respect, and multiple perspectives and serves as a catalyst for change resulting in social justice. In this context, we are mindful of all aspects of human differences such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability and age.

About Inclusion

Inclusion is a core element for successfully achieving diversity. Inclusion is achieved by nurturing the climate and culture of the institution through professional development, education, policy, and practice. The objective is creating a climate that fosters belonging, respect, and value for all and encourages engagement and connection throughout the institution.

Goal

In "Learn, Serve and Lead," the AAMC clearly outlines the strategic priorities of the organization for the future. It notes that the nation's medical schools and teaching hospitals stand at the crossroads of challenge and opportunity. The publication states:
Our lives and work are increasingly global, interconnected, and unpredictable. Our nation is aging and diversifying, and disparities and inequities in health care are deepening. The health care system is becoming less accessible and affordable, and a significant shortage of health professionals looms. Yet despite these challenges, the promise and potential of medicine to cure disease, alleviate suffering, overcome disability, and improve our quality of life have never been greater.

It is the goal of the Group on Diversity and Inclusion to align its efforts with those of the AAMC to assist medical schools, teaching hospitals, academic and professional societies in navigating these challenges, strengthening the communities we serve, and improving the health of the public with a critical focus on the benefits of diversity in medicine and biomedical sciences.

The GDI is founded on the 30-year experience and expertise already in place within the Minority Affairs Section of the Group on Student Affairs. As the GDI seeks to assist in the advancement of diversity across the entire professional spectrum, it will also underscore the importance of addressing the issues related to those historically underrepresented in medicine and never lose sight of the ultimate goals of providing care to the underserved and eliminating health disparities.