DEI Special Edition Spring / Summer 2024
significantly tested for all consumer consumption. This poses many health and legal issues that payers must pay heavy attention to now along with the ques- tion, “ Do I pay for a product that potentially could be harmful if not deadly to populations due to clinical trials not having real results of the effects of the medicines on all diverse, minority, and underserved populations? ” Under- standing and accepting the bottom line that this will end in greater loss, that outweighs the pros and cons of whether DEI is truly needed in this country and more importantly for our healthcare system, is the basis of the building blocks at minimum for continuing to put DEI and even more importantly true Equity into our clinical trials. So how do we look and move past our current obstacles, uncertainties and hesitancies, and move as one into the future of what our healthcare should and needs to be? Start by setting a standard within the healthcare system that all patient facing professionals must all possess the basic understandings need- ed to effectively engage African Americans and all diverse, minority, and un- derserved populations and communities, equity for all. This is a good founda- tion to build upon trying to rid patients of certain disparities and systemic rac- ism that can be eradicated at their core. Next we must elevate our community engagement. “ The people know, what the people need, to refill their cups from the years of missteps and mistakes that created the gap and lack of trust in the system, and give us the opportunity to fill our cups with much needed understanding, wisdom, and more importantly real, true, data to be analyzed and used efficiently to move forward and do better for the community. ” Truth and honesty must be at the head of every decision of action involving the com- munity, in order to get true results. Knowing, understanding, and using your “ why ” that helped with your decision to enter the industry, will aid in making sure your next thought or decision is the best one when deciding what ’ s next and best for our patients, the community.
Barry Holmes, Jr.
Barry Holmes Jr., a remarkable individual with a diverse background, stands as a tes- tament to resilience and achievement. A Navy War veteran and retired basketball player, he served two tours in Iraq, truly living through dedication, discipline, and strong faith. He is now the Vice - President of Genesis Medical Group, an organization that provides clinical research professionals with diversity education and certifica- tion. Barry has co - written the diversity certification curriculum for Genesis Medical Research Group Academy. He hopes to leave an indelible mark on the industry.
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