Podcast: Pathway Programs Boost Diversity in Physician Workforce

Health disparities—differences in health and health care between groups that stem from broader inequities—have been well documented in the United States and remain a persistent issue despite changes in policy and care delivery.

Can programs designed to increase the number of underrepresented minority physicians lead to a more diverse provider workforce and, in turn, improve health equity? Nanette Vega, Ed.D., assistant dean for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, joins Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A, dean and chief academic officer, to discuss this important topic on the latest episode of Inside U Miami Medicine.

“We need to focus on the development of a workforce that really is representative of our community,” said Dr. Vega. “There is a direct impact on quality of care, on addressing disparities, and having physicians who are culturally humble doing this work is essential.”

During the episode, Dean Ford and Dr. Vega speak about the Miller School’s Medical Scholars Program, which supports minority and disadvantaged students interested in pursuing a career in medicine; the importance of achieving health equity; Dr. Vega’s journey to her current position and her advice for minority students; and a recent expansion to the pathway programs.

Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or on the Inside U Miami Medicine website here.

Tags: Dean Henri Ford, diversity, Dr. Nanette Vega, Inside U Miami Medicine podcast, Miller School of Medicine, Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Community Engagement, Summer Medical Scholars Program