We discuss with Dr. Quentin Youmans the importance of recruitment and mentorship of underrepresented minorities in medicine (URiM), including supporting them through microaggressions (or worse) in the clinical setting. We then delve into strategies for how to do these things well.

Show Notes

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[0:00] - Intro 
  • Introduction to Dr. Quentin Youmans

[02:23] - A Step in Your Shoes: "Shades of Brown" - an acapella singing group 

[05:15] - Different Types of Mentorship
  • Mentor: builds a personal relationship 
  • Coach: offers skill-focused advice
  • Sponsor: positions you to succeed, giving you opportunities you may not have otherwise had access to 

[07:29] - Tips for finding a mentor 
  • Be confident! Generally, those in academic medicine are excited about mentorship
  • Identify mentors who align with your passion
  • Come prepared with a specific question or request 

[08:49] - The STRIVE Initiative 
[10:30] - STRIVE 3 Pillars of Programming  
  • Curriculum review- sessions led by underrepresented minority and allied residents 
  • Panel discussions- students are given the opportunity to ask questions about the resident process 
  • Social events- creating an open and comfortable environment  

[14:33] - JAMA Internal Medicine article about medical student mistreatment   
[14:53] - How can programs best support underrepresented minority trainees?  
  • Acknowledge the problem 
  • Include and empower the affected to be a part of the solution 

[15:48] - Minority Tax
[18:01] - Microaggressions
  • Subtle instances of discrimination or bias against minorities  

[21:45] - The N-Word by Dr. Quentin Youmans
  • Dr. Youmans details his own experience with discrimination as a physician  as written in the Annals of Internal Medicine 

[24:40] - The importance of supporting colleagues who experience discrimination 

[25:12] - Importance of effective leadership 
  • The presence and voice of leaders is important when incidents related to race, gender, sexual orientation or other identity traits occur 
  • Effective leadership includes naming certain unacceptable behavior in the moment and forging a way forward to continue a therapeutic relationship when possible  

[29:00] - Implicit Bias 
[31:17] - Change in USMLE Step 1 scoring 

[36:00] - Practical Points 
  • Follow your passion
  • If you see something, speak out. Advocate for others
  • Mentorship is vital: "It's never too late to have a mentor and it's never too early to be one."

[37:18] - Feel free to contact Dr. Youmans!
  • Contact Dr. Youmans for more information about mentorship and the STRIVE Initiative at [email protected]

[37:36] - Continue the conversation online!
[38:16] - Outro

Credits:
Co-hosts: Dr. DJ Gaines, Dr. Brittäne Parker 
Producers: Dr. DJ Gaines, Dr. Brittäne Parker 
Executive Producers: Dr. Tammy Lin
Co-Executive Producer: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Tiffany Leung
Senior Producer: Dr. DJ Gaines
Editors: Josh Wang, Jinglu Wang, with special thanks to Deepti Yechuri
Production Assistants: Joanna Jain, Sanika Walimbe
Website/Art Design: Ann Truong
Music: Chris Dingman

Special thanks to Dr. Diane Wayne, Vice Dean for Education, Chair, Department of Medical Education, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and Dr. Darilyn Moyer, EVP and CEO of the American College of Physicians.

Disclaimer

.The DEI Shift podcast and its guests provide general information and entertainment, but not medical advice. Before making any changes to your medical treatment or execution of your treatment plan, please consult with your doctor or personal medical team. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by The DEI Shift. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by The DEI Shift team are those of each individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The DEI Shift team and its guests, employers, sponsors, or organizations we are affiliated with.