AMIA’s Affirmation of Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Washington, D.C. – The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) believes that a thriving health and biomedical informatics community must reflect the full spectrum of human experience. We are committed to fostering a professional environment where diversity is welcomed, people are respected, opportunities are accessible, and every individual feels a genuine sense of belonging.
This commitment is not new. It began in earnest with the work of Women in AMIA (WIA) and was strengthened five years ago in response to a national reckoning on racial injustice and accountability by establishing a DEI Task Force and continues today through the leadership of our Empowerment, Engagement and Representation (E2R) Committee. Together, these efforts ensure that all voices, including those from underrepresented communities, are heard and valued. Our commitment is strategic and comes from our organizational values—scientific integrity, impact, and inclusivity and collaboration.
Scientific Integrity: Defending Inclusive, Evidence-based Research
We defend the freedom to pursue inclusive, evidence-based research and open inquiry. With nearly one-third of AMIA’s members as student trainees, and many more working in academic institutions, this principle is central to our mission. Our Inclusive Language and Context Style Guidelines, developed with Columbia University’s Justice Informatics Group, help ensure that our scientific communication reflects respect and accuracy across all populations while de-stigmatizing scientific communication.
Impact: Advancing Equitable Health Policy and Practice
Guided by AMIA’s Public Policy Principles, we stand for evidence-based research, education, policy and practice in health and healthcare. These efforts provide a framework to ensure that informatics solutions are designed and deployed with the needs of all communities in mind. Our priorities include
- Strong protections for health data to prevent misuse and bias
- Appropriate informatics tools that serve all patients with integrity and accuracy
- Workforce development that expands access and opportunity for all
- Health equity practices embedded throughout the research and development lifecycle
Inclusivity and Collaboration: Building a Community Where All Belong
AMIA is committed to creating pathways that enable members from all backgrounds to thrive in health informatics. Initiatives like First Look for Students, WIA Career Development, and Mentoring Circles offer mentorship, networking with leaders in the field, and career development opportunities. These efforts are essential to cultivating a field where everyone has the chance to contribute and lead. We will continue to invest in these programs, because every informatician deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Looking Ahead
AMIA will continue to champion fairness, representation, and access across research, education, policy and practice. We invite all members to take part in this work. Support Empowerment, Engagement and Representation initiatives. Mentor emerging professionals. Advocate for policies that reflect our shared values.
Together, we can build a future where informatics serves everyone equitably, ethically, and inclusively.
For media inquiries, contact Katherine Krause, Vice President, Marketing and Communications.
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About AMIA
The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), the leading professional association for informatics professionals, is the center of action for 6,100+ informatics professionals from more than 65 countries. As the voice of the nation’s top biomedical and health informatics professionals, AMIA and its members play a leading role in assessing the effect of health innovations on health policy and advancing the field of informatics. AMIA actively supports five domains in informatics: translational bioinformatics, clinical research informatics, clinical informatics, consumer health informatics, and public health informatics.