What is DEI in Healthcare?

A question that nobody is asking, but everyone should.

I was skimming this recent New York Times article about what went wrong with the DEI program at the University of Michigan when I noticed something striking. Despite the program's wins for Latinx and Asian undergraduates, the proportion of Black students has barely changed. And to be blunt, I'm not surprised.

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DEI initiatives have existed for years in higher education and healthcare. Yet, the investment hasn’t led to the profound changes we’ve all hoped for. Many of these programs focus on tweaking policies without addressing the systemic issues perpetuating inequities in the first place. In healthcare, DEI is even more critical because the stakes are higher—it’s not just about who gets an education; it’s about who gets to live.

Are DEI Programs the Solution or the Problem?

As we near the November elections, the future of DEI initiatives is again in the spotlight, and their role in healthcare is under intense scrutiny. Whether you’re for or against these programs, one thing is clear: if we don’t tackle the systemic issues in our healthcare system, marginalized communities will continue to suffer disproportionately. 

I recently talked to an ethics class about the backlash against DEI and the threat this poses to healthcare equity. The discussion was enlightening, and I left with a few key takeaways that every healthcare advocate and provider should consider as we move forward.

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1. Diversity of Staff Matters as Much as Patient Diversity

If the healthcare workforce doesn’t reflect the diversity of the patient population, why would patients from marginalized backgrounds trust that their care providers understand them? Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by unethical medical experiments throughout history, leading to a deep mistrust in the healthcare system.

As healthcare advocates and providers, we must ask ourselves: How can we build trust if our institutions don’t reflect the people we serve? It’s not just about hiring more diverse staff; it’s about creating an environment where every staff member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to patient care.

2. Equity Isn’t Equality—and That’s a Good Thing

There’s a widespread misconception that equality automatically creates fairness. But equality doesn’t remove marginalized communities' barriers to accessing quality healthcare. On the other hand, equity acknowledges that not everyone starts from the same place and offers solutions tailored to meet people where they are.

Consider this: Imagine two patients with diabetes. One lives in an affluent neighborhood with easy access to fresh food and frequent doctor’s appointments. The other lives in a food desert struggles with transportation, and works two jobs to make ends meet. Treating them "equally" by giving them the same care plan won’t work because their circumstances differ vastly. Equity is about removing barriers so both patients have the same opportunity to achieve better health outcomes.

3. Inclusion Means Everyone—Including Those at Intersections

Inclusion in healthcare isn’t just about giving people a seat at the table; it’s about ensuring everyone feels valued and heard, no matter their background. This is particularly important for individuals who exist at the intersections of multiple identities, like myself—as a Black woman with disabilities, I experience healthcare differently than a white woman or a Black man. When healthcare providers fail to consider these intersecting identities, they miss their patients' unique challenges and barriers.

We can’t have an inclusive healthcare system if we ignore these complexities. Each patient brings multiple identities into the room; their care should reflect that reality.

So, Is DEI the Solution or the Problem?

Here’s the truth: DEI can only be the solution if done correctly. It can’t just be about filling quotas or hosting workshops that check a box. It must be about transforming the very systems that allow disparities to persist. And that work? It’s not easy, but it’s essential.

DEI is not just corporate jargon; it’s about creating a healthcare system where everyone has an equal shot at a healthy life regardless of who they are. My colleagues and I have been doing this work for years, continuing long after the political winds shift. 

But this journey is far from over. As we move toward 2025, I’m recommitting myself to fighting for a healthcare system that doesn’t just discuss DEI but embodies it in every interaction, policy, and decision.

Join the Movement Toward Health Equity

Let's continue this conversation if you’re ready to be part of the solution. Subscribe to the EBWH Community Newsletter, where we dive deeper into the issues that matter—DEI in healthcare, health equity, and how we can all work together to create a more just and inclusive system.

Together, we can transform healthcare for the better. Will you join us?