In 2011, Indiana University School of Medicine was one of 14 U.S. medical schools to participate in the Diversity Engagement Survey (DES). This instrument was developed and analyzed by the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity in collaboration with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The survey measured the inclusiveness of the academic learning environment and defined IU School of Medicine’s areas of strengths and improvement regarding organizational inclusion. Faculty, staff, and learners participated. The 22 survey items were mapped to eight inclusion factors:
- Trust
- Appreciation of individual attributes
- Sense of belonging
- Access to opportunity
- Equitable reward and recognition
- Cultural competence
- Respect
- Common purpose
What we learned
IU School of Medicine scored at or above the mean (more favorable) on almost every item. Additionally, in looking at statistically significant differences on the subscales, IU School of Medicine scored significantly more favorably on equitable reward and recognition; trust; and respect. Indicative of the findings from the Diversity Engagement Survey, the number of new underrepresented minority faculty hired has increased significantly in recent years. Between 2000 and 2005, the average number of new underrepresented minority faculty hired per year was 4.8; since then, the average per year is 11.2.