President’s Letter from Dr. Kris Bryant

“IN DIVERSITY THERE IS BEAUTY AND THERE IS STRENGTH” – MAYA ANGELOU

Inclusion is one of the core values of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. We recognize the need to enhance diversity within our Society and in our profession. We aspire to reflect the communities we serve. The PIDS Inclusion, Diversity, Access & Equity Taskforce, established in 2019, is charged with developing a framework and recommendations that will cultivate a welcoming environment, ensure that processes, policies, and practices reflect the views and values of our Society, and guarantee transparency to promote all opportunities to PIDS members within all levels of the organization. Late last year, the Taskforce identified mentorship for those who identify as underrepresented in medicine as their highest priority. Diversity, inclusion, and mentorship were also key themes at our recent strategic planning meeting. 

I am thrilled to announce a new research funding and mentoring opportunity for fellows and junior faculty who identify as underrepresented in medicine (UIM) or disabled. In partnership with the Academic Pediatric Association and their extraordinarily successful Research in Academic Pediatrics Initiative on Diversity (RAPID) program, we will offer two scholars up to $15,000 each to complete a one-year research project, receive mentoring by senior expert investigators, and attend PAS 2022 as well as the 2023 RAPID Conference. Eligible research projects will address the treatment, control, and eradication of infectious diseases affecting children.

A special thank you to Drs. Tony Flores, Kristen Feemster, Bonnie Maldonado, and Octavio Ramilo for serving as national mentors and as the PIDS representatives on the RAPID National Advisory Committee. It is our hope that this program is just the beginning of efforts from our Society to increase the number of UIM professionals in the field. 

Please visit the PIDS Foundation website for more details, including application deadlines. Please reach out to me with any questions.

Kris