Study after study has shown the importance of the contributions of individuals from different races and ethnicities for the delivery of healthcare and the innovation that changes patients' lives.
As a powerful force in the healthcare industry, the American Medical Association (AMA) last year made a commitment to a comprehensive strategy for embedding racial and social justice within the organization and its domains of influence.
“Studies show that racial, ethnic and gender diversity among health professionals promotes better access to health care, improves health care quality for underserved populations, and better meets the health care needs of our increasingly diverse population. Yet, our physician workforce does not adequately reflect the actual racial, ethnic or gender makeup of the patients in the communities we serve,” said AMA Board of Trustee Member Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D. in a statement.
Recently, Northwell Health, Intermountain and other health systems formed an alliance sharing best practices and other data around improving workforce diversity, well-being and engagement. Called the Evolve Health Alliance, the program is an extension of workforce-focused collaborations struck by the member groups as they navigated the early days of pandemic disruption.
Heavy hitters in the healthcare and pharma industries also are stepping up investments in Black-founded and -led healthcare startups. HCA Healthcare, Eli Lilly and the American Hospital Association, among others, are backing Jumpstart Health Investors to fund Black founder-led healthcare companies across health IT, digital health, tech-enabled services, diagnostic devices and biotech.
A 2021 State of Healthcare Training and Staff Development Report found that many healthcare organizations have not yet made diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) a priority. In fact, just 62% of respondents said they work for organizations that have DEI initiatives. Promisingly, 90% of these organizations support their DEI initiatives with training. But only 40% of those with DEI training require managers to participate.
While the industry continues to grapple with a lack of racial and gender diversity at its highest levels of leadership, we aim to shine a spotlight on some of the critical contributions made by people of color across health systems, physicians' offices, health tech and insurance.
This month, we are putting out the call for nominations to honor 10 leaders across the healthcare industry—from physicians to CEOs to researchers and tech company execs—who are shaping the way healthcare of the future will be delivered.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking leaders who have made a measurable impact on healthcare in the past 12 months and have a demonstrated track record in paving the way forward for everyone. We are looking for examples of innovation, passion and ingenuity that we'll be able to share with leaders across the industry. We will accept nominations for this program from all sectors across healthcare who are part of eligible minority groups including American Indian, Native Alaskan, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Asian, African American, Hispanic or Latino.
This is where you come in.
If you know of a minority leader in healthcare you believe is deserving of this honor, fill out the form as best you can below. Nominations are part of our process of assessing who will win the distinction of being one of our Most Influential Minority Executives in Healthcare, and nominees will be judged on professional accomplishments, community leadership and philanthropy as well as awards and milestones.
Forms must be sent in by June 10. Winners will be announced in the middle of August.
Thank you for your help in identifying these leaders.
— Heather Landi, Senior Editor, Fierce Healthcare