Statement attributable to:
Omar T. Atiq, MD, MACP
President, American College of Physicians
WASHINGTON April 3, 2024 – The American College of Physicians (ACP) strongly opposes efforts that would prevent medical schools from putting into place policies seeking to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Research shows that a diverse physician workforce is critical to advancing equity and understanding in health care. DEI programs serve to address the current and historical underrepresentation and inclusion of diverse perspectives and insights in the field of medicine, improve health outcomes of underserved and marginalized communities, promote equity and understanding among clinicians and patients, and facilitate quality care through an inclusive physician workforce. Diverse populations in medical training settings also improve learning outcomes by increasing active thinking, intellectual engagement skills and strengthening understanding of and empathy for diverse cultures. ACP is committed to pursuing polices, advocacy, and actions to confront and eliminate racism, disparities, discrimination, bias and inequities in health and health care.
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About the American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 161,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Contact: Jacquelyn Blaser, (202) 261-4572, jblaser@acponline.org