Boulware in NEJM: "The scientific workforce must confront structural racism"

Dr. L. Ebony Boulware, Director of Duke Clinical & Translational Science Institute, is the first-author on a perspective in New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) entitled Combating Structural Inequities — Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Clinical and Translational Research. 

In the article, Boulware, et al argue that for "the clinical and translational research enterprise to help resolve current and future health crises...it must shift paradigms and begin to center diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in its work."

The authors provide perspective on concrete goals for integrating DEI in translational research, and identify strategies from the Clinical and Translational Science Awards National Consortium that address this specifically in leadership, training, research, and clinical trials. 

"Sincere intent to dismantle structural inequities in science and medicine will require thoughtful planning, real investments, and accountability," Boulware wrote on Twitter.

Boulware's career has focused on improving health and health equity for individuals and communities affected by chronic health conditions such as kidney disease. A national thought leader in health equity, she has identified patient, clinician, system, and community-level barriers that result in disparate outcomes for underrepresented minorities. Using pragmatic trials, she has developed successful interventions, shaped guidelines, raised physician awareness, and changed clinical practice. Throughout her work, Dr. Boulware has sought to improve transparency and trustworthiness in science and medicine. 

Click here to read the full article on the NEJM website.

This report was originally published by the Duke Department of General Internal Medicine.

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