ACTRIMS 2022 | Addressing ethnic diversity in MS trials and research: a multipronged approach

Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, Joi Life Wellness Group, Smyrna, GA, discusses increasing ethnic diversity in multiple sclerosis (MS) trials and research. Dr Williams describes the need for a multipronged approach – recognizing that our use of the terms ‘low participation’ or ‘do not want to participate’ may not be necessarily true. The likes of addressing mistrust due to systemic racism and the over-usage of the inclusion/exclusion criteria due to ethnic comorbidities must be considered. Geographical consideration of trial locations must also be considered – access to different populations who need involvement in these trials is key to a more collaborative research effort. Having researchers of varied ethnicity may also help inform those questions. Furthermore, discrimination and bias must be addressed within the system – finding ways to get all people access to care, information, and knowledge about the studies and where they are conducted. Dr Williams states that there are many ways to approach this – yet collaborative work between physicians, scientists, patients, and advocacy communities will help to conduct better trials and thus, make certain that everyone has access to cutting-edge medicine and care. This interview took place at the ACTRIMS Forum 2022 in West Palm Beach, Florida.