April 19, 2024
Last week, AMDA, along with 27 other national medical organizations, sent a letter of opposition to Sens. John Kennedy (R-LA) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) for their bill, the “Embracing anti-Discrimination, Unbiased Curricula, and Advancing Truth in Education Act (EDUCATE).” The bill would prohibit graduate medical schools from receiving federal financial assistance if such schools adopt certain policies and requirements relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
The organizations stated that, “DEI programs in medical education serve to address the current and historical underrepresentation of certain groups in the field of medicine, improve health outcomes of underserved and marginalized communities, promote equity and understanding among clinicians and patients, and facilitate quality care through an inclusive physician workforce. Additionally, DEI programs in medical education are intended to cultivate the development of physicians who can effectively care for diverse populations. This helps improve health care delivery for all patients.”
Rep. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC) introduced a similar bill in the House of Representatives; it currently has 40 cosponsors.