Diversity in Research

As part of our mission to ensure health equity, NMF has reinforced its commitment to providing pathways for physicians and students underrepresented in medicine (URM) to pursue careers as clinical investigators. NMF’s Diversity in Research Program advances the goal of increasing underrepresented patient engagement and participation in clinical research to ensure that treatment and preventative regimens are thoroughly investigated across all populations. Our programming provides training and support for URM physicians with demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity in clinical research to become more actively involved in clinical trials.

This bold initiative creates unprecedented opportunities to increase cultural competency in clinical trials and to push back the tide of mistrust, historically earned, of the medical community among vulnerable populations. NMF seeks to become a leader in the national effort to increase diversity in clinical trial research in furtherance of the elimination of health care disparities.

National Medical Fellowships Diversity in Clinical Trials Research Program (NMF Dctr)

Established in 2021, the National Medical Fellowships Diversity in Clinical Trials Research program seeks to increase the number of clinicians underrepresented in medicine who serve as Principal Investigators, as part of the strategy to increase patient diversity in clinical research trials.

How the NMF Diversity in Clinical Trials Research Program Makes a Difference

Headshot of Dr. Britt Gayle wearing a white doctor's coat
“As a Black physician and educator interested in the intersection of domestic and global health, I was drawn to clinical research and its ability to empower communities made marginal,” he said.
“However, once I pursued greater opportunities as a research clinician, I realized I needed to better understand the behind-the-scenes processes required to turn a research question into an active, funded study.”

Dr. Britt Gayle (NMF Dctr)

Program Contacts:

Keona Davis, MA
Senior Program Manager, Diversity in Clinical Trials Research Program
(212) 483-8880 ext 330
kdavis@nmfonline.org

Laveina Dash (she/her/hers)
Director, Diversity in Clinical Trials Research Program
Main number: 212-483-8880, ext. 321
Direct number: 646-681-2319
ldash@nmfonline.org