Korean J Gastroenterol.  2025 Jan;85(1):22-30. 10.4166/kjg.2024.092.

How to Achieve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in The Korean Society of Gastroenterology?

• Kim N
• Nam K
• Shim KN
• Kim HJ
• Nam SY
• Joo SK
• Park SJ
• Choi Y
• Jung YJ
• Kim YS
• Kim JK
• Park SM

• KMID: 2565011
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2024.092

Abstract

With the increasing emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in organizations and institutions, academic societies in gastroenterology and hepatology are beginning to take actionable steps toward achieving DEI. The successful implementation of DEI initiatives leads to excellence in the field, improved patient outcomes, particularly in areas where health disparities are prevalent, and advances in the gastrointestinal discipline. Such implementation also results in a workforce that better reflects the growing diversity of the population. This review defines DEI and introduces the DEI policies and strategies adopted by the academic societies of gastroenterology in other countries. This paper proposes strategies to integrate DEI better into the Korean Society of Gastroenterology, emphasizing the importance of embedding DEI into the culture and strategic framework. The key strategies include establishing a DEI committee, setting clear targets, and conducting formal assessments to measure DEI progress. This study focused on enhancing workforce diversity, particularly among women and young doctors, and advocates for the need to support their academic development through male allyship and the promotion of equitable and inclusive academic cultures.

Keyword

Diversity; Equity; Inclusion; Gastroenterology

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Definition of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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  Fig. 2 How male physicians can be an effective male ally or “#HeForShe” for their female colleagues in gastroenterology. Adapted from Bilal et al. (Am J Gastroenterol 2021;116:2321-2323)32, with permission from the American College of Gastroenterology.

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  Fig. 3 Target, establish, acquire, and measure (TEAM) roadmap for workforce diversity in GI. Adapted from Williams et al. (Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022;20:1625-1630)33, with permission from the American Gastroenterological Association.

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  Fig. 4 Strategies to enable Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Radiology Departments at Individual and Organizational levels. Adapted from Williams et al. (Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022;20:1625-1630),36 with permission from Elsevier on behalf of the Association of University Radiologists.

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