Next Steps for Inclusion, Diversity, Access, and Equity Task Force at IDSA

IDSA is committed to integrating the principles of inclusion, diversity, access, and equity throughout our work and community, and is excited to open a call for volunteers for the IDA&E Task Force to further integration efforts into 2020. IDSA’s Board of Directors approved a one-year reauthorization after the initial IDA&E Task Force, led by Tina Tan, M.D., FIDSA, completed its 12-month charge in October.

Working hard to establish a framework for IDSA’s efforts by addressing difficult topics identified in the vision our board outlined for the future of the society, the task force has successfully created a Roadmap and Strategies document that incorporates elements of data, education, communication, action and accountability. The task force also produced guiding principles, developed a case statement, and created an initial educational toolkit containing extensive literature on how to prioritize IDA&E in a professional setting through many conversations about the broad spectrum of professional settings and the ever-evolving uniqueness of our community. We would like to thank the 13 members who provided input and contributed thoughts and ideas in the initial task force, including Dr. Tan: Lilian Abbo, M.D., FIDSA, Maria Alcaide, M.D., FIDSA, Jose Caro, M.D., Mahalia Desruisseaux, M.D., Raul Macias Gil, M.D., Janet Gilsdorf, M.D., FIDSA, FPIDS, Ravina Kullar, PharmD, MPH, FIDSA, Jasmine Riviere Marcelin, M.D., Katherine Moyer, DO, Damani Piggott, M.D., PhD, Dawd Siraj, M.D., FIDSA, Manal Youssef–Bessler, M.D.

Next, the 2020 task force will prioritize initiatives from the Roadmap and Strategies document for implementation among other key responsibilities. Recognizing and understanding people's differences and qualities enriches and strengthens our communities, and diversifying our society will promote innovation, talent, and intellectual excellence.

We are accepting applications through Jan. 13, 2020. Please complete the volunteer application if you are interested in volunteering for this 12-month assignment. Some initial members will serve another year, and we’d like to extend the opportunity for others to serve. Please see the application for additional information.

Thank you for your continued engagement on this important effort, and we will continue to provide updates to the community about the work we are doing.

We are #IDAE, we are #Diversity, the #FacesofID and #FutureofID.