SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Pediatric Residency Program Leaders' Perspective on the Effectiveness, Challenges, and Future Directions of Health Equity Initiatives

Pediatric Residency Program Leaders' Perspective on the Effectiveness, Challenges, and Future Directions of Health Equity Initiatives

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This national cross-sectional survey explored how pediatric residency leaders view health equity and DEI initiatives after the ACGME added health equity requirements in 2023. Researchers emailed a 17-item survey to leaders of all 218 ACGME-accredited pediatric residency programs during April–July 2025 and analyzed both quantitative responses and free-text comments.<br /><br />Seventy-eight programs responded (36%). Nearly all respondents (95%) reported having active DEI initiatives, most commonly educational sessions (92%), which were also viewed as the most effective type of effort (35%). Leaders said the most effective initiatives were those that were sustainable over time, involved experiential learning in community settings, were resident-driven, were integrated into required curricula, and included strong mentorship.<br /><br />The biggest obstacle to implementing DEI work was the current political climate, reported by 65% of respondents. Leaders described consequences such as making DEI efforts less visible, losing resources, and worrying about negative repercussions from federal directives or institutional pressures.<br /><br />Despite these challenges, 87% of respondents expressed strong interest in future national DEI initiatives. Their suggestions for improving and sustaining health equity work centered on three themes: building unity across programs, ensuring strong leadership support, and using multimodal educational approaches.<br /><br />Overall, the study suggests that pediatric residency programs remain committed to advancing health equity, even amid political and institutional barriers. The authors conclude that national collaboration, leadership backing, and shared educational resources may help preserve and strengthen DEI training across residency programs.

Asset Subtitle

Heriberto Martinez

Meta Tag

Author List Alisa Khan, Heriberto Martinez, Jared Kusma, Kristen Samaddar, Nehal H. Thakkar, Sandra L. Gage

Category Research

Concept ACGME Health Equity Requirements

Concept Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Concept Pediatric Residency Program

Concept Barrier

Concept Sustainability

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Phoenix Children's Hospital

Presenting Author Heriberto Martinez

Track Pediatric

Keywords

pediatric residency

health equity

DEI initiatives

ACGME requirements

cross-sectional survey

medical education

community-based learning

resident-driven curriculum

mentorship

political climate

ACGME Health Equity Requirements

Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Pediatric Residency Program

Barrier

Sustainability