The Florez Lab: Increasing Retention and Improving Productivity of Under-Represented in Medicine Trainees

Founded in 2019, this inclusive lab is comprised of 42 members ranging from undergraduates to faculty from 12 different countries, most of whom self-identify as women and/or individuals who are under-represented in medicine. This virtual lab meets monthly to discuss projects, grants, and future collaborations. Joint research efforts focus on professional development of the health care workforce; cancer health disparities; diversity equity, and inclusion in medical education; and social justice in medicine, with a focus on cancer clinical outcomes and survivorship experiences of underserved populations. From 2020 to 2023, the Florez Lab secured nearly 1.5 million in combined research funding to support the development of translational research to mitigate and provide resources to address disparities in oncology and medical education. In this podcast, Narjust Florez, MD, teases her session at the ACCC 50th Annual Meeting & Cancer Center Business Summit and why it’s important to attend this session in person. 

Guest:

Narjust Florez, MD

Thoracic medical oncologist

Associate Director, Cancer Care Equity Program

Assistant Professor of Medicine 

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School 

“[At AMCCBS] I provide realistic strategies and actions that anyone can take to diversify the workforce, not only in oncology, but in medicine as a whole…I focus on what I have done with very little staff that has remained in place and helped create a more inclusive and diverse workplace.”

Hear Dr. Florez speak live at the ACCC 50th Annual Meeting and Cancer Center Business Summit.

Resources:

Championing an Institutional Culture of Well-being in a Post-Pandemic Oncology Workforce — [PODCAST] 

Workforce Diversity: African Americans in Health Care

A Look at the Emerging Role of Health Equity Institutes

Spotlight on the Sutter Health Institute for Advancing Health Equity

A Q&A with Dr. Maria Hernandez, President and COO, Impact4Health

Achieving Health Equity in Oncology with Precision Medicine Stewards 

Health for All: Addressing Health Equity Among American Indians + Alaska Natives 

Trans-Inclusive Cancer Care: Why It’s an Important Part of Health Equity