Keri Baum
Clinical Trials Project Leader II
Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI)

About my role in the ARLG DEI Working Group

I am a clinical trial leader who also supports the ARLG Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group. My role in the working group is to implement efforts that fulfill our operational goal to facilitate the inclusion of underrepresented minorities in our research studies. We also seek the inclusion of diverse representation across the ARLG and the clinical trial teams we partner with.

In my role as an operational representative, I work to reinforce the importance of ethical clinical research practices in all stages of the project lifecycle, from planning to execution, participate in literature reviews, and develop and implement tools to be used at the operational level. This includes identifying sites that are successful at enrolling across demographics and leveraging bi-directional feedback so we can learn from their experience and expertise. I also partner with our statistical teams to measure our operational achievements and identify ongoing opportunities to include ALL patients who are afflicted with antibiotic resistance.

What is the ARLG DEI Working Group and what is its primary goal?

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group is part of the ARLG Scientific Leadership Core (SLC). It was created to develop a framework to ensure implementation and full integration of principles of DEI throughout the Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group.

We work to accomplish this goal by:

• Accessing, monitoring, and evaluating ARLG’s success in the current antibiotic resistance (AR) landscape
• Sharing educational and learning opportunities
• Promoting, mentoring, and developing investigator career advancement opportunities within infectious diseases (AR)
• Developing and maintaining an inclusive environment

Why is this work important?

 It is imperative that we make every effort to ensure that the data from current and future clinical trials is generalizable and an accurate reflection of the population that will benefit most from our studies. Knowing more about the people affected by AR advances the scientific validity and enriches the social and clinical importance of what we do.

In April 2022, the FDA released draft guidance on Diversity Plans to Improve Enrollment of Participants From Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Populations in Clinical Trials. In this guidance, they highlight “representation in clinical trials and studies to be a priority.” It is reasonable to expect that there will be additional guidance and policies that encourage full implementation of DEI principles. ARLG has an actively engaged team of leaders and an operational support system that ensures we are well positioned to respond to these calls to action.

What do you like best about participating in the DEI working group?

When I first learned that ARLG was developing a DEI working group in 2020, I jumped at the opportunity to take part. My participation on this committee forces me to take a step back from my traditional, in the weeds, project operational role and look at the bigger picture.

This work has given me the opportunity to explore new ways to approach the systemic problem of underrepresentation at every level of research. Moreover, the information I have learned during my participation doesn’t stop at the research level. This acumen is applicable to many aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our larger society. This knowledge and experience has reshaped my perspective in a way that will continue to positively impact my career for years to come.