The statement comes after a podcast episode that dismissed the existence of structural racism in medicine was published by JAMA, and promoted by the journal in a since-deleted tweet.
The June 3 statement points out that among 346 editors and editorial board members, 71 percent are white, and calls on the journal network to improve diversity across the editorial masthead.
In all, the statement outlines 14 priorities aimed at improving diversity across the journals, including the appointment of an editorial director of equity, updating journal mission statements, and holding a diversity, equity and inclusion summit.
“The JAMA Network Journals and other leading medical journals must take clear steps to do better, with more awareness, more transparency, more accountability, and more diversity,” the authors wrote. “This is all for the good. The intersection between society, health, and equity is clear and addressing structural racism, including in medical journalism, is essential to improving health.”
To read the full statement, click here.
At Becker's 4th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable, taking place November 2–5 in Chicago, more than 1,500 hospital and health system executives tackle decisions that determine whether organizations thrive or merely survive: protecting margins under cost pressure, choosing where to grow, renegotiating payer relationships, stabilizing the workforce and proving real ROI on technology. This is where leaders work through them together, face-to-face. Apply for complimentary registration now.
