DEI Special Edition Spring / Summer 2024
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Research: A Call to Action for the Arab American Community By Hadi Danawi, PhD In recent times, there have been significant developments in the realm of clinical research and diversity inclusion efforts. The FDA's diversity guid- ance, WHO's diversity guidelines, and the proposal to recognize individuals in the United States with Middle Eastern and North African ancestry as a distinct group in the 2030 U.S. census have brought to light the need for increased representation of the Arab American community in clinical trials. Addressing the challenges faced by this community in participating in clini- cal research and promoting diversity and inclusion is crucial. The "Arab Board for Clinical Research" is taking proactive steps to lead discussions on best practices and to establish an industry platform that responds effec- tively to this emerging demand. Challenges Faced by Arab American Community include limited awareness and access, language and cultural barriers, specific educational require- ments, and networking and connections. A significant portion of the Arab American community lacks knowledge about career opportunities in clinical research. Limited access to infor- mation about available positions, educational requirements, and necessary skills hinders their entry into the field. Language poses a significant chal- lenge for individuals who primarily speak Arabic or have limited proficiency in English. Clinical research often requires strong communication skills, and language barriers can hinder opportunities and qualifications. Positions in clinical research typically require specific educational backgrounds or de- grees, which may be inaccessible to many in the Arab American communi- ty. Building professional networks is crucial for career advancement. How- ever, Arab Americans may face challenges in establishing these networks, especially if they are new to the field or the country.
To maximize diversity and inclusion in clinical trial enrollment within the Arab American community, the "Arab Board for Clinical Research" is
6
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online