ABIM as a Workplace

In September 2020, ABIM named Pamela Browner White as its first ever Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO). Ms. White, who has served as ABIM and ABIM Foundation’s Senior Vice President of Communications since 2016, is leading efforts to advance ABIM’s commitment to be a diverse, antiracist, equitable, and inclusive organization.

She is responsible for setting and implementing an overarching vision of diversity, equity, and inclusion for ABIM and ABIM Foundation. Ms. White will also support the work of the Equity Committee led by Robert O. Roswell, MD, Chair-Elect of the ABIM Board of Directors, together with Lorna Lynn, MD, Vice President for Medical Education Research at ABIM. Read more.

For ABIM to move forward effectively with its external work, it needed to develop a DEI infrastructure that supports ongoing efforts in creating an inclusive, psychologically safe workplace culture that attracts and retains talented employees who know how to work effectively on diverse teams.

Creating an internal DEI Taskforce

In the fall of 2020, Ms. White established an interim DEI Organizing Committee for jumpstarting internal, staff-directed work at ABIM. This group comprised ABIM staff representing multiple departments from Human Resources, Information Technology, Assessment & Research, Communications and more. This committee supported the CDEIO in:

• Developing a Request for Proposal to select an external DEI consultant
• Selecting and onboarding for the DEI consultant
• Establishing bias Training for ABIM’s Senior Leadership Team, and
• Inviting professionals in the health equity space to speak with ABIM Staff and Governance.

In the spring of 2022, the DEI Taskforce was created as a permanent commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. This Taskforce consists of a number of voluntary, cross-functional staff who ensure that a DEI lens is applied to decision-making processes across the organization. This group of DEI ambassadors will serve two-year terms, allowing for fresh voices to join the Taskforce on a regular basis. The Taskforce will provide counsel and support on our efforts to guide the development and implementation of the ABIM DEI Strategic Plan.