Joan Reede, HMS dean for diversity and community partnership, received a Pathfinder Award from the National Institutes of Health for her project “A Systems Approach to Advancing Workforce Inclusion and Diversity.” Supporting scientists who propose highly innovative approaches to scientific workforce diversity, the Pathfinder Award helps researchers identify new methods for addressing the need to increase the number of people from underrepresented groups who pursue careers in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences. Reede was one of six grant recipients nationwide; together the awards total approximately $12 million, to be dispersed over a three-year period.
Recognizing the need for comprehensive data and analysis, Reede will examine the multiple institutional and environmental factors that hinder or support the careers of clinical and research faculty from diverse groups, as well as how these factors impact individuals’ networks of colleagues with whom they publish, teach, conduct research and serve on committees. Reede hopes that her results will help institutional leaders identify and implement successful policies, practices and programs that will lead to a better understanding of career and faculty development, as well as increased diversity and inclusion in the sciences.
“We recognize the potential differential effects of faculty development across the spectrum of faculty,” said Reede. “This study will pay particular attention to the career progression of faculty who are traditionally underrepresented in academic medicine.”
Reede was also recently selected by the Association of Professors of Medicine (APM) as the recipient of the 2011 Diversity Award. The honor is presented to an individual who has effectively improved diversity within a medical school or who has worked to address health care disparities and improve the level of care received by patients of all races and ethnicities. By recognizing those who have enhanced diversity and equality within medical schools and patient care systems, APM seeks to inspire others to follow such outstanding examples.
