In this unique episode, we eavesdrop on a conversation between Dr. Adam Striker, host and editor of ASA’s Central Line, and Dr. William McDade, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for ACGME, as they consider the challenges and benefits of diversifying the health care workforce. This lively discussion examines the role of standardized tests, what “diversity” means to ACGME, and how practicing anesthesiologists can help. Recorded October 2020.
William A. McDade, MD, PhD, a board-certified anesthesiologist, is the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), leading ACGME’s mission to increase physician diversity and ensure inclusive clinical learning environments for our nation’s residencies and fellowships. He was previously a director on the ACGME board and chaired its Planning Committee for Diversity in Graduate Medical Education. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. McDade has been a champion for the elimination of health disparities and for diversifying the medical workforce.
Dr. McDade previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer for the Ochsner Health System in New Orleans. Prior to his appointment at Ochsner, Dr. McDade was Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care at the University of Chicago, as well as Deputy Provost for Research and Minority Issues, and as Associate Dean for Multicultural Affairs for the Pritzker School of Medicine. In 2016, he was elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association. Dr. McDade earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from DePaul University, his PhD in biophysics and theoretical biology, and his medical doctorate from the University of Chicago. He stayed there to complete his internship in internal medicine, then completed residency training in anesthesiology at the Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School.