Clinical research plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare, but historically, it has lacked diversity both in its workforce and patient populations. Danielle Mitchell, founder and CEO of Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR), is working to change that. In an interview with Taylyn Washington-Harmon, clinical trials editor of BlackDoctor.org, Mitchell discussed the importance of increasing diversity in clinical research and how her organization is making a difference.
Mitchell founded BWICR in 2019 after attending an investigator meeting where she noticed a stark lack of diversity. “There were only two Black women, including myself,” she recalled. This experience prompted her to create a Facebook group that has since grown into a thriving organization with over 20,000 followers and 10,000 members in its Facebook group.
The mission of BWICR is clear: “to educate, empower, support, and help Black women thrive in the clinical research industry.” Mitchell believes that increasing diversity in the clinical research workforce will naturally lead to more diverse patient populations in clinical trials.
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Why aren’t there more Black women in clinical trials?
One of the main barriers to participation in clinical trials for Black women is simply not being asked. Mitchell cited a study showing that “80 percent of the women said that they would participate in a clinical trial, but then the number was also high to [close to] 80% said that they had never been asked to participate in a clinical trial.”
Mitchell emphasizes the importance of having Black women represented in clinical research roles. She shared a sto
ry about a woman who felt relieved when a Black female doctor walked in to perform her mother’s breast surgery. “It’s just a level of comfort that people have, especially in the Black community. When you see someone who looks like you, it is an unspoken language a lot of times,” Mitchell explained.
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How BWICR is changing the clinical trials landscape
BWICR provides resources, networking opportunities, and support for Black women interested in or already working in clinical research. The organization offers resume reviews, interview prep, and a mentorship program. Mitchell’s goal is to create a supportive community where Black women don’t feel isolated in their careers.
When asked about the impact of having more Black women in clinical research, Mitchell emphasized the potential for improving healthcare outcomes. “If we can make steps towards that, then we can make sure that the drugs are safe and effective for the Black community,” she stated. She pointed out that currently, “majority of the drugs are being tested on white males, the Black community is at a disadvantage.”
Mitchell also addressed the FDA’s recent draft guidance pushing for more diversity in clinical trials. She stressed the importance of involving smaller,community-based research sites: “We have to allow these small clinical trial sites to participate in clinical trials… We need to take a step back and look at these smaller sites, and look at what population are we not serving?”
Why choose clinical research as a career path?
The conversation highlighted the need for more awareness about clinical research as a career option. Mitchell noted, “Clinical research is such a hidden career; a lot of people don’t know that it exists. There are not clinical research programs at colleges and universities.”
In closing, Mitchell encouraged everyone to speak up about their health journeys and share information about clinical research. “I think it really has… a lot of times, especially in the Black community, word-of-mouth, you know, that really can do a whole lot when it comes to telling more people about clinical research,” she said.
As BWICR continues to grow and make an impact, Mitchell’s vision for a more diverse and inclusive clinical research landscape is becoming a reality. By empowering Black women to enter and thrive in this field, she’s not only changing individual lives but potentially improving healthcare outcomes for the entire Black community.
For more information about clinical trials, visit our Clinical Trials Resource Center.
