315 - Empowering Student Group Success: A Novel Diversity Consultation Model

The [blinded] Medical Student Council is composed of multiple subcommittees, each tasked with distinct projects and initiatives. The Diversity Subcommittee functions as a “consultation service” for the other subcommittees, offering expert guidance on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). To our knowledge, this model of support is novel among medical student-led groups.


Design:

At the start of each term, the Diversity Subcommittee meets with each subcommittee to explore opportunities for collaboration and support, ranging from addressing basic DEI-related questions and reviewing materials to engaging in large-scale collaborations or co-creating projects. Throughout the year, the Subcommittee provides ongoing support, regularly following up to assess evolving needs.


Results:

Key areas of collaboration include:

-       Education/Well-Being: A diversity/URiM mini-series for the “This is Physiatry” podcast. The goal of this collaboration is to increase representation of voices on the podcast and provide a space to focus on how diverse experiences interplay with a career in Physiatry.

-       Membership: Collaborative review of diversity statistics in membership data to inform targeted recruitment of student members based on identity-specific needs. Additionally, recommendations for a creation of a diversity position within student interest groups have been developed.

-       Research: Developed a guide to visual descriptions for use during Journal club to increase accessibility of events. Additionally, the Diversity team is assisting in the organizing of a DEI-focused journal club.

While no specific projects have emerged for the Social Media/Technology and Mentorship subcommittees, ongoing general support is provided.


Conclusions:

This novel diversity “consultation” model has proven successful in fostering collaboration and advancing diversity efforts across student-led initiatives, benefiting all participating subcommittees and enhancing the overall mission of the [blinded].