Health care is a human-centered experience and, as an organization of health care professionals, it is heartbreaking and tragic that in 2020 we find ourselves still struggling with issues that are so fundamental to human dignity. The deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many countless others bring to the forefront the fears and injustices that Black People have faced for generations. As an organization, AAPPR stands unequivocally with Black People, including our members, colleagues, patients and all the voices in our communities that have long been ignored.

As a Board, our perspectives are as diverse as the individuals we serve, but
collectively as the nation’s leading professional association for physician and provider recruitment, we are both committed to and value diversity at all levels. We acknowledge that systemic racism and discrimination impacts all of us in one way or another and we believe that as an association it is our responsibility to educate and align our own practices so as to not enable it to continue. We are in a unique position to touch the lives of not only the physicians and providers we recruit but also to play a meaningful role in the health and wellbeing of the communities our recruits serve. Moments like this heighten our awareness of the broader and longstanding public safety and health service disparities in our communities of color. We cannot remain silent in the moments that matter the most. Our impact is too large.

Over a year ago we started a conversation that recognized the need to expand diversity, equity and inclusion in our leadership and membership and have taken steps to actively do so. But we will not stop there. We are committed to continuing that conversation and moving forward with action and education. As a start, we must look inward to recognize and address the work that still needs to be done to become a more diverse and inclusive association and community. Additionally, we recognize the need for providing relevant and actionable learning that furthers the cause for social justice and equality in our world.

With that in mind, AAPPR would like to hear from you. How can this association support and equip you with the knowledge you need in your professional role?

Let us know what you think. >> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AAPPRDEI

As a result of this feedback, the AAPPR Board is looking to form a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) task force, comprised of both Members and Strategic Partners, to review policies, structure, relationships and opportunities to ensure inclusiveness across all our relationships externally & internally, including but not limited to:

• Membership
• Educational Content
• Strategic Partnerships

To our members, colleagues, friends and loved ones in the Black community: We see you. We hear you. We are listening. We are committed to being a champion for equality as we continue forward together.

The AAPPR Board