A Guide for Being Minorities in Medicine: Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Ourselves and Our Patients

In recent years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become pivotal considerations in obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn), reflecting broader trends in medicine and American society at large. Persistent disparities in healthcare access, delivery, and outcomes have fueled urgent calls to address DEI issues. Structural oppression and racism, known to affect patients, also impact providers from historically excluded groups and non-dominant cultures (e.g., people of color, individuals with diverse gender/sexual identities, various religious backgrounds). This chapter aims to offer a historical perspective and recommendations to equip providers with the necessary education and tools to navigate an inherently biased system while offering insight into colleagues’ challenges and support for career advancement. Furthermore, this chapter focuses on historically oppressed or “othered” groups, including (but not limited to) people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and other (LGBTQIA+) individuals, those from various religious backgrounds, and neurodiverse individuals. The primary goal is to raise awareness of systemic and interpersonal injustices and provide tools for physicians from the non-dominant medical culture to combat marginalization, prejudice, and inequality.