A handful of leading imaging advocates have joined a newly formed initiative pledging to improve diversity, inclusion and health equity across medical education and clinical practice.

The American College of Radiology, Society of Interventional Radiology and Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging are among the biggest imaging names to join ACGME Equity Matters. Announced Thursday, the new push is a joint collaboration between the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

The initiative aims to enact change within graduate medical education through increased physician diversity and by constructing safe and inclusive learning environments. Closing racial disparities and addressing the health of populations are also top of mind. 

“We are committed to the significant and sustained efforts that will be needed to achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion in medicine and counter structural racism,” CEO of CMSS Helen Burstin, MD, MPH, said July 28. “Specialty societies and program director associations committed to this partnership to achieve actionable recommendations and real results.”

Forty-two organizations will participate in an inaugural 18-month group of learning communities, which will offer “phased” curriculum tools and skills training. Organizations will apply these techniques to implement interventions, practices, policies, and data strategies supporting the initiative’s goals.

“These challenging times have shone an even brighter light on the need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in learning environments where physicians train, and beyond,” added Bonnie Simpson Mason, MD, vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion at ACGME.