Perspectives on Diabetes Care

The Role and Goals of ADCES's Inclusion Council

Sep 9, 2024, 12:01 PM

Interview with Clipper Young, PharmD, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCGP, APh, FADCES

1. Tell us about yourself (where do you reside/work; practice; areas of professional expertise/passion).

   I am a Clinical Pharmacist and Director of Clinical Research at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, where I also serve as the Co-Director for Distance Learning & Clinical Integration. My practice focuses on diabetes management, cardiovascular risk reduction and chronic disease management through medication therapy management, particularly in underserved populations.

   I am passionate about advancing health equity and optimizing patient outcomes as a public health practitioner through innovative research and education, with a special interest in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into health care. I reside in Fairfield, California, and am deeply committed to community outreach and public health initiatives.
   

2. Tell us more about your role as Board Liaison to the Inclusion Council. What does that entail, and why were you interested in serving in the role?

   As the Board of Director Liaison to the Inclusion Council at ADCES, my role involves bridging communication between the Board of Directors and the Council, ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are integrated into the organization's strategic operations. I support the Council in its efforts to foster an inclusive environment for all members and advocate for DEI-related initiatives across ADCES programs and activities.

   My interest in this role stems from my commitment to health equity and the belief that a diverse and inclusive organization is essential to delivering effective diabetes care and education to all communities. Serving in this capacity allows me to contribute to meaningful changes through fostering an environment where all voices are heard and valued.
   

3. How do you think that the role of Board Liaison to the Inclusion Council supports the strategic goal to grow and diversify membership at ADCES?

   The role of Board Liaison to the Inclusion Council is pivotal in supporting ADCES's strategic goal to grow and diversify membership by ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles are woven into all fabrics of the organization's activities.

   By advocating for inclusive practices and policies in this role, I see myself contributing to the establishment and the maintenance of an environment where members from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and valued. This inclusivity not only attracts new members but also retains existing ones by fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. Ultimately, this role helps ADCES to better represent and serve the diverse communities impacted by diabetes.
   

4. One of the accomplishments of the Inclusion Council along with the Board’s support was to establish ADCES's Elements of Diversity. Can you share what those Elements are?

   The "Elements of Diversity" established by the Inclusion Council, with the support of the ADCES Board, are comprehensive and designed to reflect the diverse nature of our membership. These elements include:

   • Primary Discipline: recognizing and valuing the various professional backgrounds within ADCES
   • Career Stage: addressing the needs and contributions of members at different stages of their careers
   • Race: ensuring representation and inclusivity across racial and ethnic groups
   • Gender Identity: supporting and acknowledging diverse gender identities within the membership
   • Geography: considering the geographic diversity of members and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents
   • Sexual Orientation: promoting an inclusive environment for all sexual orientations
   • Disability: ensuring accessibility and support for members with disabilities.

These elements serve as the foundation for ADCES's ongoing efforts to cultivate a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization​.

5.  How does setting out to track various demographics assist in furthering the goal to diversify?
Tracking various demographics is essential in furthering the goal to diversify membership because it provides a clear and accurate understanding of the current composition of the organization. By collecting and analyzing demographic data, ADCES can identify gaps in representation and develop targeted strategies to address them.

This data-driven approach ensures that diversity initiatives are not only well-informed but also measurable, allowing ADCES to track progress over time. In addition, understanding the diverse needs and perspectives within the membership helps tailor programs, resources and outreach efforts to be more inclusive, ultimately attracting and retaining a broader range of members (strengthening our profession and specialty).