Justice through Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

CAFP believes that the neglect and mistreatment of marginalized communities affects health and must be opposed. (BoD 7.15.17) Hate crimes and violence against religious, sexual, and racial minorities pose direct harm to patients. These problems are compounded by disparities in access to quality health care. CAFP opposes prejudice in all health care settings and communities. (BoD 2-1-2017)

CAFP policy also states that every person has a right to comprehensive, high-quality health services delivered in a timely, culturally-competent and economically sustainable manner regardless of their age, gender identity, sexual orientation, geographic location, income, health status or immigration status. Moreover, access to health care insurance should be universal and continuous and individuals should not be denied health care coverage, have their coverage limited or otherwise capped or cancelled based on a current or pre-existing health care condition(s), age, gender identity, sexual orientation, geographic location, income, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, health status or immigration status. (BoD 7.15.17)  

In addition, existing policy allows CAFP to support cross-cultural training for family practice residents and CAFP supports eliminating the use of race as a proxy for biology and genetics, and developing policies to ensure this is communicated in CAFP education. (BoD 7/20)

Shannon Connolly MD FAAFP, JEDI Chair

Thank you for visiting our page for the Justice through Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee.  The CAFP recognizes that we have a lot of work to do to advance health equity in California and beyond, and we’re actively developing resources for family doctors, including this page. I hope that it will be a useful place for you to visit, whether you are looking for an article to share with your residents, or a toolkit for addressing social determinants of health, or you just want to know more about implicit bias.  

As you use this page, please feel free to give us feedback on what resources you find most useful, and also, what resources you would like to see added. These can be books, podcasts, journal articles, or videos. If something struck a chord with you or helped you to think differently and you want to share it with colleagues, let us know! You can do this either by posting on the CAFP 365 member topics or by emailing CAFP staff. Please also check out some of our great equity-focused CME, which you can find on our "Homeroom" page.

In November 2021, our board of directors created our current three-year strategic plan and centered equity work in this document. In March of 2023, the Board voted to create an enduring Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee, to continue this important work. I know many of you are also working on your own DEI initiatives in your organizations. I look forward to hearing about your work, and learning and growing together with you. 

Family Doc Podcast: CAFP's Work on Justice Through Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (S02E08)

In this episode, Dr. Assibey is joined by CAFP's Justice Through Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee co-chairs, Drs. Shannon Connolly and Melissa Campos to discuss how and why the committee was formed, the work being done by this committee to focus CAFP's work with the JEDI lens. 

Listen here:

California Family Physician: CAFP Focuses on JEDI Work

In this article, Drs. Connolly and Campos reflect on the creation and work of the JEDI Committee. 

You can find the full issue at www.familydocs.org/cfp.

Or you can read the article here.

A Note about the Limitations of Data

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The CAFP recognizes that there are fundamental methodological limitations in the collection of data regarding identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. Many datasets that are widely used and accepted rely on groupings of identities that do not adequately reflect the experiences or self-identifications of those people. We recognize that race is a social construct and people within the same racial category may have vastly different cultures, life experiences, languages, and geographic origins. We recognize that even the language we use to describe different identities is dynamic and subject to variable interpretation. To provide context for the data that the CAFP collected in our survey, we have offered information about comparison populations when relevant. Data on comparison populations comes from a variety of sources and is limited by what is publicly available and the specific methodologies of those studies. As you consider the information presented here, we ask that you think critically about who is counted, who is not counted, and what biases exist. We welcome any feedback.

Survey Data Results

Survey results include aggregates only, include comparison population sources, with notes on the limitations of datasets such as: *The US Census Bureau does not currently collect data on gender identity. *The AAFP does not publish data on the Race/Ethnicity of its membership.

Data Collection Abstract

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Background/Purpose:In 2021, the CAFP Board of Directors developed a strategic plan that included a renewed focus on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in family medicine. In order to better understand our current position and opportunities, the Academy surveyed current leadership to collect demographic data. The results of that survey are presented here.
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Methods: In 2023, a 14-question survey was electronically sent to the CAFP’s Board of Directors and Alternates, members of the CAFPs committees, chapter presidents, NCCL Delegation members, the Student and Resident Council, and staff. The survey included questions about self-identified race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, practice setting, disability status, and languages spoken. Survey recipients received several follow-up communications reminding them to complete the survey. Of the 165 surveys that were sent out, 154 were completed, resulting in a 93% completion rate. CAFP data was aggregated, and when possible, presented with any information about comparison populations.
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Results: Thirty-five percent of CAFP leadership identified as White/Caucasian/European, 32% Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander, 13% Latinx/Hispanic/Latino/Latina, 10% Black/African/African American, and 10% other race/ethnicity. Latinx/Hispanic/Latino/Latina individuals were underrepresented in CAFP leadership when compared to the population of the state of California. Sixty-seven percent of CAFP leadership identify as female, 30% male, and 3% Nonbinary/Other.
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Conclusion: This initial survey of CAFP leadership provides important insights about who we are and what opportunities we have to continue to advance a diverse family physician community that is well-equipped to meet the needs of California.

From the committee: “We recommend that CAFP leadership mirror the population of California, with an emphasis on adequate representation, and even permissive overrepresentation, of historically underrepresented demographics in medicine. The committee recognizes and advocates for the inclusion of individuals belonging to many different identities in CAFP leadership. However, we propose that the initial focus be on achieving proportional and diverse racial and ethnic representation, with the understanding that this is just one of many steps towards addressing health equity.While we recognize there are limitations in data collection and many demographics are not adequately represented in the data, it is clear that there is a significant underrepresentation of Latinx individuals in CAFP leadership, and this presents a clear opportunity for action. The committee recommends the CAFP strive to achieve significantly improved leadership representation by 2030.”

Resources

AAFP Resources

AAFP Health Equity: Leading the Change
Free CME for AAFP Members.  AAFP invites you to promote better health for your patients with a five-part self-study learning series.

CAFP does not endorse or promote any particular product on this page. The resources listed are meant to provide opportunities for individual and professional growth for any and all members. If you would like to submit a resource, or have a question, please email us at cafp@familydocs.org.

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