152 - Representation in Rehab: A survey study assessing the impact of organizational initiatives in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in PM&R

Friday, February 23, 2024

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM EDT

Presenting Author(s)

Selena Lugosi, B.S.

Medical Student
UT Health San Antonio
Boerne, Texas, United States

Co-Author(s)

CA

Caitlin Aguirre, n/a

Medical Student
University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston
Galveston, Texas, United States
CH

Charis Hoppe Turner, n/a

Medical Student
UCSF Health
San Antonio, Texas, United States
TA

Trevor J. Anesi, BA

Medical Student
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
AF

Alexandra Fry, MD

Resident Physician
Beaumont Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
San Antonio, Texas, United States
RG

Roxana Garcia, MD MPH

Resident
Stanford
Mountain View, California, United States
AC

Allison N. Capizzi, MD

Medical Director, Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program
VA Palo Alto, Polytrauma System of Care
Sunnyvale, California, United States
CP

Clausyl Plummer, II, MD

Assistant Professor PM&R
Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital
Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Objectives: Representation in Rehab (RiR) is a trainee-run organization dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). Launched in 2022, RiR now has over 300 members. RiR seeks to build community, promote PM&R to underrepresented medical students, and increase access to opportunities in PM&R. The aim of this survey study is to evaluate the effectiveness of RiR’s current initiatives through the lens of its members with the goal of tailoring future projects to the population’s needs.

Design: An anonymous, 24-item mixed-methods survey consisting of multiple choice, Likert scale, and free response questions was emailed to RiR members and promoted on social media and the Slack community. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize participants’ responses.

Results: 66 RiR members completed the survey. Most respondents were third- or fourth-year medical students (55%) and residents (18%). 66% did not have a PM&R residency at their home institution, 38% identified as first-generation, 22% as LGBTQIA+, and 14% as living with a disability. 22% identified as Hispanic/Latino, 22% Black or African American, and 20% Asian. Approximately 90% of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that RiR promotes PM&R to underrepresented students and that RiR builds a community of medical students and trainees. Respondents rated formal mentorship (43%), research (32%), and learning about disparities in PM&R (29%) as high priority. Resources about applying into PM&R (48%), formal mentorship (36%), and sharing events (41%) were rated most helpful. Participants’ interest in PM&R increased by an average of 9% after becoming members (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The survey results show high satisfaction among RiR’s members. The findings highlight the value of application assistance and formal mentorship. Including attending physiatrists and expanding research opportunities are identified as areas of future growth.