To provide a framework for diversifying the urologic workforce through residency recruitment by integrating principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into program mission and values, application review, and interview process.
Materials and Methods:
For this narrative review, the Society of Women in Urology Advancing DEI in Urology Residency Recruitment Task Force identified 4 areas for incorporating DEI into residency recruitment: defining a residency program's mission and values, holistic application review, an objective interview process, and implementing DEI principles into a program. Using PubMed and Google Scholar, we performed a non-systematic literature search of articles from January 2014 to January 2024. Search terms included combinations of "diversity", "equity", "inclusion", "residency", "holistic review", "applications", "interviews", and "initiatives". Additional resources were identified through citations of selected articles. Based on findings from these articles, Task Force members made recommendations for best practices.
Results:
The diversity of practicing urologists is disproportionate to that of the United States population. Emerging evidence demonstrates that DEI efforts in healthcare are associated with better outcomes and reduction in healthcare inequities. We offer strategies for residency programs to integrate DEI initiatives into their recruitment, application review, and interview process. Furthermore, we address extending DEI principles into a program's mission and culture to create an inclusive environment conducive to training and supporting individuals from unique backgrounds.
Conclusion:
It is critical to recruit and retain diverse talent in urology to improve patient care. We urge residency programs and their supporting institutions to adopt DEI principles into their recruitment efforts.
Alexandra L Tabakin,1 Paige De Rosa,2 Elizabeth Ellis,3 Valentina Grajales,4 Joanna Orzel,2 Tyler L Overholt,5 Meidee Goh,6 Kate H Kraft,6 Gjanje Smith-Mathus,7 Vannita Simma-Chiang,8 Gillian Stearns,9 Annah Vollstedt,2 Jennifer M Taylor10
- Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY.
- Department of Urology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA.
- Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.
- Department of Urology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
- Department of Urology, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC.
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
- WakeMed Physician Practices Urology, Raleigh, NC.
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
- Department of Urology, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC.
- Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Urology Residency Recruitment: Recommendations From the Society of Women in Urology