Fixing Flexner: Disrupting and Rebuilding Academic Medicine for Women of Color to Lead

Abstract

In an effort to address the lack of compositional diversity seen in academic leadership, our generation has an opportunity to rebuild academic medicine in a way that welcomes, values, and supports the development and success of women of color.

System-Wide Change Is Essential to Value the Contributions of Women in Medicine and Science

“…If we want to see a significant change in our leadership makeup, we must not only sponsor women of color to lead but also set them up for success with support, mentorship, and coaching, and avoid the proverbial "glass cliff." By actually investing in these efforts, we can increase the probability of advancing exceptional women of color into leadership roles, and strategically, these change agents can innovate and disrupt health care systems for the better [18]. 10. Many of these challenges contribute to fueling the burnout epidemic we continue to face within our systems.…”

“…Organizations must recognize the minority tax and assign real value to diversity, equity, and inclusion work. If we want to see a significant change in our leadership makeup, we must not only sponsor women of color to lead but also set them up for success with support, mentorship, and coaching, and avoid the proverbial “glass cliff.” By actually investing in these efforts, we can increase the probability of advancing exceptional women of color into leadership roles, and strategically, these change agents can innovate and disrupt health care systems for the better [ 18 ].…”