Meet the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force Co-Chairs

About the DEI Task Force

The AHS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force is an initiative commissioned in 2020 by then-President Dr. Peter Goadsby and the AHS Board of Directors. Our mission is to infuse DEI to enhance the leadership and membership of the AHS to provide equitable care and improve the lives of people with headache disorders. With the leadership of co-chairs Dr. Rebecca Wells, Dr. Cynthia E. Armand, and DEI consultant Dr. Joanne Smikle, members of the Task Force commenced this effort in July 2021. Our first year of work culminated with a presentation of our recommendations to the AHS Board of Directors in June 2022. We categorized the recommendations into Leadership & Membership, Pipeline, and Advocacy subtopics. Since then, the implementation phase has followed, with a series of strategic steps that have been put into action throughout the entire organization. Thus, we are excited to share how our recommendations and strategies have been implemented by showcasing them through several AHS News Features.

Advocacy 

Recommendation: Include DEI and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) content in every presentation at AHS educational conferences.

Implementation: Invited speakers are now encouraged to consider ways to integrate this content into applicable presentations. The 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting speaker management site includes language regarding the importance of DEI content and a reminder for its inclusion. This will be a specific request for speakers at the 2023 Scottsdale Headache Symposium.

As you attend the upcoming 65th Annual Scientific Meeting this June, keep a keen eye out for DEI and SDOH content throughout the many exciting activities!