Ensuring Equity

The chief medical officer and other healthcare leaders are positioned to have a positive effect on both diversity and equity. While this has not often been a focus of the healthcare executive, it is important for CMOs to understand how they can influence diversity and equity. This article does not include an exclusive list of to-dos for the CMO; however, it does provide a framework so CMOs can build relationships to guarantee equity in the patient population and diversity within their workforce. It is paramount that CMOs view health equity as a top priority. It also is important to understand that equity is a continuous process. Pursuing equity should be part of everything that a CMO does.