Diversity initiative backed by Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, Gilead picks physicians for training
The physicians have received the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Award (Winn CDA). Through the Winn CDA, physicians are trained as clinical research scientists with additional knowledge, skills and competencies in effective community outreach and engagement.
An independent national review committee selected the 64 physicians, 41 women and 23 men. The physicians work at “a broad range of healthcare institutions in 22 states across the U.S.” and “represent a diverse cross section of races and ethnicities.”
Almost half, 47%, of the physicians identify as African American/Black and 22% identify as Hispanic/Latino. Most, 70%, specialize in cancer, with the rest split fairly evenly between immunologic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. The new entrants join the 52 physicians who received a Winn CDA one year ago.
“We are mindful that advancing diversity in clinical trials is a long-term initiative whose success depends on deep engagement at the community level. As we enter the program’s second year, we are humbled by the reception and support it has received, and we look forward to expanding the collaboration with others in the private and public sectors who are interested in joining this movement,” said John Damonti, president of the BMSF.
The Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program, which was announced in November 2020, aims to train, develop and mentor more than 580 diverse and community-oriented clinical trialists and medical students by 2027.
BMSF, an independent charitable organization, pledged $100m to establish the Winn Award Program in 2020. Gilead committed $14m to sponsor 40 Winn CDAs and 40 Winn CIPP awards, a six-week summer service-learning externship in community-based clinical research sites, through 2027.
