Dr. DeGaia authors new paper published in Health Equity
Dr. Ayana DeGaia, Assistant Professor in our Harborview OBGYN Generalist division, recently first authored "The Necessity of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training for Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Department-Wide Needs Assessment of an Academic Obstetrics and Gynecology Department", published in Health Equity.
Learn more about the paper in the Q&A with Dr. DeGaia below!
Why did you choose to research this topic?
At the time that we conducted this study, there was significant momentum at the state level to restrict or ban DEI activities in higher education, including academic medicine like our institution. We felt that it was important to clarify the role of DEI educational activities within our large academic OBGYN department by performing a comprehensive needs assessment. We didn't realize how relevant this study would become on a national scale in the near future, as more significant restrictions and litigation at the federal level have rolled out with the explicit goal of limiting DEI activities in higher education.
What do you consider the biggest takeaway from this paper?
Despite the perception by most members of the department (across roles and disciplines) that health equity is important and valued by the department, we identified significant gaps in knowledge and practice related to health disparities. We also found that, despite the perception that there's been so much DEI education, the majority of department members had had little exposure to these offerings and strongly desired more. Finally, we found that there were persistent concerns regarding retention and success of URMs in the department, particularly trainees and junior faculty.
What do you see as the potential impact of this work?
This work provides a blueprint for similar needs assessments at other academic OBGYN departments in the US. It also highlights potential solutions to address gaps in knowledge and clinical practice, as well as supporting the retention and success of underrepresented minority trainees and faculty to the field of OBGYN.