Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government

VA Health Systems Research

Go to the VA ORD website
Go to the QUERI website

HSR Citation Abstract

Search | Search by Center | Search by Source | Keywords in Title

Navigating Nonlinear Pathways: Challenges and Opportunities for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders in Academic Emergency Medicine.

Molina MF, Bhananker A, Torres B, Owda D, OrdoƱez E, Chary AN. Navigating Nonlinear Pathways: Challenges and Opportunities for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders in Academic Emergency Medicine. Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians open. 2025 Apr 1; 6(2):100060.

Dimensions for VA is a web-based tool available to VA staff that enables detailed searches of published research and research projects.

If you have VA-Intranet access, click here for more information vaww.hsrd.research.va.gov/dimensions/

VA staff not currently on the VA network can access Dimensions by registering for an account using their VA email address.
   Search Dimensions for VA for this citation
* Don't have VA-internal network access or a VA email address? Try searching the free-to-the-public version of Dimensions



Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leadership roles have grown in academic emergency medicine (EM). We sought to elucidate specific pathways to DEI leadership roles among current DEI leaders in academic EM. METHODS: From March to May 2023, we conducted semistructured, qualitative interviews with DEI leaders in academic EM across 5 US regions to investigate their pathways to leadership. Participants were recruited via email using Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited EM residency websites and the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in EM. After recording and transcribing the interviews, we used an inductive approach to identify major themes. RESULTS: Of 56 DEI leaders contacted, 25 agreed to participate, and 21 were interviewed. The median (range) interview duration was 34 (25-63) minutes. Leadership titles included directors, chairs, vice chairs, committee chairs, chiefs, advisors, and deans. Three major themes emerged: (1) nonlinear pathways-participants reached DEI roles through informal assumption, volunteering, or self-creation, often without initial aspiration or compensation; (2) undefined roles and expectations-roles and responsibilities were often determined by leaders themselves, with advantages and disadvantages; (3) variable perceived value in promotions-participants felt DEI efforts were frequently undervalued in academic promotion, with mentorship highlighted as crucial for translating DEI activities into academic achievements. CONCLUSION: Our study provides important insights not only into the pathways to DEI leadership among current leaders in academic EM but also into the challenges and opportunities DEI leaders perceive when navigating roles, responsibilities, and academic promotion.





Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.