An evolving case for centering health equity as a research priority in predominantly White academic medical centers

Purpose: Health disparities impact those minoritized by race, class, gender nonconformance, and rurality. There is an urgent need to shift scholarly focus from merely documenting health disparities to effecting change through health equity research. The present mixed-methods study explores the motivation, opportunities, and barriers in performing health equity research in a majority white college of medicine. Methods: We use landscape analysis: surveys, focus groups, and interviews with expressly interested faculty. Results: Our findings suggest there are barriers to communication, access, and recognition for health equity research that impact and influence the existence and possibilities of health equity scholarship in Vermont. Conclusion: Colleges of medicine are increasingly recognized as being responsible for advancing Health Equity. Our findings underscore the necessity of this work within the state of Vermont and offer recommendations to remove barriers at our institution and others similarly situated.