UICOMP Receives $5,000 Grant to Support Equity in Medical Education, Training
The University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) is recipient of a $5,000 grant to address inequities in medical education and training. The grant was awarded to faculty members John Fonge, MD, and Anna Martial, MD, both with the UICOMP Department of Internal Medicine. One of 32 national awards, the grant is presented by the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine (AAIM), the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), the ABIM Foundation, the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation.
The grant will support creating and implementing curriculum to enhance the education of residents and create future leaders and advocates. The grant will help identify and develop solutions related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare. During an internal discussion with residents and fellows, the majority of respondents expressed lack of trust when reporting incidents related to racism, gender bias and other issues related to inclusion. This pilot program looks to create a DEI initiative to foster a cultural change by making inclusive behavior and diversity an integral part of everyday practices.