Diversity Matters in Research Studies

A key element of the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine’s philosophy is its commitment to cultivating an educational atmosphere that reflects real-life scenarios that its students may encounter. One of the groups instrumental in upholding this standard is the Research Education Action Group.

The primary goals of the Research Education Action Group include enriching the learning environment at CCLCM and spearheading significant changes in the curriculum by introducing research topics that address diversity and healthcare disparities. The group aims to not only enhance the academic experience of students, but also contribute to the broader societal discourse on these critical issues.

Stimulating an appreciation for diversity research

To achieve these goals, the group takes a multifaceted approach. The members actively work to integrate content into the existing curriculum that sheds light on diverse perspectives and healthcare inequalities. This involves providing recommended readings to ensure that students are exposed to a range of voices and insights, which will help them emerge with an appreciation for the need for better research to identify and address inequities in healthcare.

Through curated lists and resources, the students can identify potential research mentors and research avenues that align with their interests. The students have access to Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) faculty members who are actively involved in diversity-related research, research on healthcare disparities and related community outreach.

“There are many opportunities in Cleveland for research on healthcare disparities. By providing a single resource that lists many of these, we hope to assist students in identifying potential research mentors,” says Sujata Patil, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine and faculty lead for the Research Education Action Group.

Engaging with diversity experts

The group also organizes speaker events on healthcare disparities and the role of diversity in research. Among the featured speakers was Waverly Willis, a member of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Community Advocacy Board and CWRU’s Cleveland African American Prostate Cancer Project. The founder of the Urban Barber Association, Mr. Willis shared his experience promoting health equity in the community and the work of the Urban Barber Association, which provides health education, resources and programs to the community.

These events offer students opportunities to directly engage with experts, gather insights from real-world practitioners and gain a better understanding of the challenges around healthcare disparities and research diversity. Importantly, the group’s commitment to fostering health equity extends beyond the classroom, encouraging participation in research to drive positive changes going forward.

“I have learned much from our ongoing education series. These are small lunchtime sessions where speakers talk about their personal and research experiences with disparities. Importantly, these speakers point out limitations in many clinical studies and help provide practical tools on how to address some of the shortcomings in our current research efforts. Our hope is that this will eventually translate to more equitable healthcare,” says Dr. Patil.

Current projects

Members of the Research Education Action Group are actively engaged in several projects including:

• Increasing the diversity of Advanced Research in Medicine course speakers
• Increasing the number of mentors who identify as underrepresented minorities in medicine (URiM)
• Reducing unconscious bias and microaggressions by research faculty through training

The group acts as a catalyst for change within CCLCM, infusing the curriculum with a focus on research that explores diversity and healthcare disparities. As a result, students are better equipped to become advocates for health equity and better patient outcomes for all.

Learn more about the Research Education Action Group.