In support of its strategic initiative focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), SNMMI announces its partnership with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in ACGME Equity Matters, a new initiative that introduces a framework for continuous learning and process improvement in DEI and anti-racism practices.

The initiative aims to drive change within graduate medical education by increasing physician workforce diversity and building safe and inclusive learning environments, while promoting health equity by addressing racial disparities in healthcare and overall population health.

To make significant progress, those charged with physician training and ongoing education for physicians must commit to advancing equity and countering racism across the full continuum. Partners in this collaborative effort will drive measurable improvements in equity by working to increase physician workforce diversity and to create clinical and learning environments that are safe, inclusive, and equitable.

The Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS)—in which SNMMI is a member—and the Organization of Program Director Associations (OPDA) launched their participation in the program this week with the convening of two learning communities that will embark on an 18-month engagement cycle. This unique partnership between CMSS, OPDA, and the ACGME will support DEI and anti-racist practices and policies across the full continuum of physician training to physicians in practice.

Core teams from CMSS and OPDA members will include an elected leader to champion the initiative and senior executive leaders who will be accountable for implementing the policy and practice changes. The program will offer a phased curriculum, tools, and skills training, which will provide lessons to help drive implementation of innovative interventions, practices, policies, and data strategies that support DEI and anti-racism.

Forty-two organizations—including 31 CMSS Member Specialty Societies and 11 Program Director Associations—will be participating in the inaugural 18-month cohort of the learning communities. In addition to SNMMI, participating societies include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, and the American College of Radiology, among others. Future cohorts will permit additional member organizations to join the learning communities.