Problem: As our organization (IAMSE) grows globally and locally, it is important for our members to practice and promote policies that are inclusive and equitable, at the same time ensuring that the needs of diverse members are met. While there are several tools and opportunities to conduct DEI training in educational institutions, we would like to bring our members’ attention to the DEI toolkit that has been recently developed with free access for IAMSE members, to allow a deeper dive into the vast and varied resources the toolkit has to offer for the individual, curricular/classroom, program and organizational levels. The goal of this session is to increase understanding and utilization of the DEI toolkit, and ultimately, to enhance the inclusive environment that IAMSE offers to all its members.

Timeliness: As we consider the next 25 years in health professions’ education, it is important to ensure that as a diverse organization, we maintain the highest levels of inclusion and equity in our teaching and learning as educators.

Significance: The topic of DEI is considered important, yet can be controversial, complex, and challenging. The DEI toolkit was created and published in 2023 by members of IAMSE’s EnGAGE (Encouraging Growth and Advocacy in Gaining Equity) committee with the goal of providing resources to assess/evaluate DEI at various levels including individual, classroom, program, and organization. The EnGAGE committee has since merged with the REC (Racial Equity Committee) to form the EAC (Equity & Advocacy Committee). As we move forward towards the next 25 years and encounter change and growth, it is important to remain committed and grounded in principles of DEI.

Agenda & Methods
Teaching Methods: The session will include presentation by the speakers on the topics outlined in the DEI toolkit, which include:
an introduction to the organization of the toolkit, differences between assessments and evaluations, and
tools and resources for awareness of DEI for use at the individual, classroom/curricular, program, and organization level.

Participation: We will use interactive instruction methods for the topics stated above, to promote and encourage participation. Attendees will be informed ahead of time to bring their laptops to access resources and participate in small groups. Small groups of 4-5 members per group will be formed at tables, and each group will be given a list of assessments and evaluations for DEI from the toolkit. Groups will perform at least two from the list. After each assessment/evaluation, there will be a debrief with the larger group for discussion and reflection.

Activities: We will conduct two activities in small groups. For Activity 1, participants will be given options to choose from the list of resources for either assessment/evaluation of DEI at the individual, classroom/curricular, program, or organizational/institutional level. Activity 1 will include participants accessing an online resource, completing the activity (looking at a video or taking a questionnaire), and discussing their thoughts/ideas within the small group, followed by a large group discussion. For Activity 2, participants will use backwards design to incorporate the resources they used in Activity 1 in their own institution, followed by a large group discussion.

Agenda & Methods

• Introduction of speakers: 5 minutes
• Presentation of topics: 10 minutes
• Activity 1 in small groups: 20 minutes
• Large group debrief and discussion: 15 minutes
• Activity 2 in small groups: 20 minutes
• Large group debrief and discussion: 15 minutes
• Wrap-up and Closing: 5 minutes