Advancing Academic Neurology Together
Promoting justice and equity in academic neurology and neuroscience.
The American Neurological Association believes that all individuals—regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, economic background, religion, national origin, or other identities—deserve respect, empathy, and access to high-quality neurological care. All aspiring and current neurologists deserve an academic and professional environment that is inclusive, supportive, and free from discrimination, so they can thrive in their chosen careers.
Systemic racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of bias continue to affect access to neurological care, limit the inclusiveness of research, and hinder the career development of aspiring neurologists and neuroscientists.
Identifying Gaps in Representation and Access
- Neurological outcomes are often worse among socially disadvantaged and racially minoritized populations, partly due to disparities in access to high-quality care.
- A national shortage of neurologists disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
- Patient outcomes tend to improve when patients and providers share similar cultural or social backgrounds.
- Socially disadvantaged and minoritized populations are underrepresented in academic neurology and neuroscience.
- These same groups are also underrepresented in professional neurology societies, including the ANA, and frequently report experiences of discrimination or isolation.
- Systemic biases have historically shaped neurological research, education, and clinical understanding, and their full impact is still being uncovered.
Advancing academic neurology is essential to the strength of the field, the progress of science, and the health of all people.
To properly understand and address neurological health in the future, academic neurology and neuroscience must welcome—and be informed by—all backgrounds and perspectives. For that to happen, academic neurology must become a more diverse and inclusive discipline and confront inequity, systemic discrimination, and unconscious bias. As the principal representative of academic neurologists and neuroscientists in the United States, the ANA is working to increase equity in neurology and neuroscience in multiple ways, including:
- Expanding opportunities for underrepresented academic neurologists to train, network, and otherwise advance their careers.
- Helping ANA members challenge bias and discrimination and improve engagement and trust.
- Addressing implicit and systemic biases within the ANA’s membership and leadership.
Launched in 2020 by the Inclusion/Diversity/Equity/Anti-Racism/Social Justice (IDEAS) Task Force, the initiative is now overseen by the IDEAS Committee.
Supporting Neurologic Equity Programs & Research
The ANA awards the Audrey S. Penn Lectureship to honor excellence in research, program development, or scholarship focused on reducing health care disparities and advancing health equity. This award recognizes an ANA member whose impactful work improves neurologic care and outcomes, expands clinical programs for medically underserved populations, or promotes diversity in the medical workforce. The recipient receives a $2,000 honorarium, along with meeting registration, travel, and lodging, and is invited to present at the ANA Annual Meeting.