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304 - Assessing the Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives of Representation in Rehab: a Mixed Methods Study

Thursday, February 27, 2025

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM MST

Presenting Author(s)

Selena Lugosi, BS

Medical Student
UT Health Science Center San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, United States

Co-Author(s)

CA

Caitlin R. Aguirre, BA

Medical Student
University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine
Webster, Texas, United States

Presenting Author(s)

AK

Akinchita Kumar, MS, MSPH

Student
Representation & Rehab
Ocala, Florida, United States

Co-Author(s)

TA

Trevor J. Anesi, MD

Physician
Stanford
Stanford, California, United States
AF

Alexandra Fry, MD

Physician
Beaumont
Royal Oak, Michigan, United States
RG

Roxana Garcia, MD

Physician
Stanford
Stanford, California, United States
AC

Allison N. Capizzi, MD

Physician
Stanford
Oakland, California, United States
CP

Clausyl Plummer, II, MD

Physician
VUMC
Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Objectives: Representation in Rehab (RiR) is a trainee-run organization promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R). Since its 2022 launch, RiR has gained over 300 members across the U.S. by fostering community, promoting PM&R to underrepresented students, and expanding access to career advancement opportunities. This survey study aims to evaluate participants’ perceptions of the effectiveness of RiR’s initiatives and opinions regarding the prioritization of future initiatives.

Design: An anonymous, 24-item mixed-methods survey consisting of multiple choice, 5-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree), and free response questions was distributed to RiR members. Descriptive statistics and thematic coding were utilized to characterize participants’ responses.

Results:
66 RiR members completed the survey. Analysis of participants’ responses indicated a significant increase in their interest in the field of PM&R after engaging with RiR initiatives compared to before (Z=4.7, p< .001, r=0.9). For future efforts, respondents prioritized the need for formal mentorship opportunities (Mdn; IQR = 5; 4-5), followed by webinars on applying to PM&R (4; 4-5) and increased research opportunities (4; 4-5). Participants provided five qualitative themes to RiRs strengths and areas for improvement. The emerging themes included: mentorship and networking, community and belonging, resources and career support, inclusion and advocacy, and suggestions for growth. Suggested improvements included broader engagement, patient advocacy, and research expansion.

Conclusions: The survey results indicate high satisfaction among RiR’s members. This study underscores the importance of supporting underrepresented students as they attempt to match into PM&R and continuing that support throughout their residency. The findings also highlight areas for growth, as there is a clear demand for more formal mentorship and research opportunities. Engaging established professionals in PM&R as mentors will be critical, and RiR’s accomplishments can inspire collaborations among other DEI-focused organizations in PM&R.