Summary: The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) awarded its 2024 DEI Educational Grant to Muhammed Ajmal, an intraoperative neuromonitoring physiologist recognized for improving access to sleep studies for marginalized communities and mentoring colleagues from underrepresented backgrounds. The grant, which covers the cost of an RPSGT or CCSH exam fee, highlights efforts to address barriers such as financial constraints and transportation challenges while fostering inclusivity in professional growth within sleep medicine.
Key Takeaways:
- Focus on Equitable Access: Muhammed Ajmal implemented initiatives like sliding-scale fees and transportation support to reduce barriers to sleep studies for underserved populations.
- Commitment to Mentorship: The awardee prioritized mentoring colleagues from underrepresented backgrounds, encouraging participation in research and professional opportunities to enrich the field.
- Recognition of DEI Efforts: The BRPT’s DEI Educational Grant honors contributions that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in patient care and professional development in sleep medicine.
The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) announced Muhammed Ajmal from Eccles, England as the winner of the 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Educational Grant.
Ajmal, who has been in sleep for five years, first as an intraoperative neuromonitoring technologist and currently an intraoperative neuromonitoring physiologist, was selected out of more than 45 applications. The grant covers the cost of one RPSGT or CCSH exam fee.
The DEI grant program recognizes a sleep technologist who is actively advocating or involved with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within their community and/or health care institution, influencing continual impacts on patient care.
“Muhammed is deeply passionate about enhancing patient care and access, addressing disparities, and fostering an inclusive environment for both patients and colleagues,” says BRPT chair of the DEI committee Michelle DiMaria, BS, RRT, RPSGT, in a release. “He eloquently described that as a sleep technologist promoting DEI within the field has been both impactful and deeply personal.”
Advocating for Equity in Care and Professional Growth
Ajmal has been involved in advocating for more equitable access to sleep studies, understanding that many individuals from marginalized communities face barriers such as financial constraints, lack of transportation, or limited access to healthcare. To address these challenges, he worked with his team to implement a sliding scale fee system for sleep studies and established partnerships with local community organizations to offer transportation assistance.
In addition, Ajmal made it a priority to support and mentor colleagues from underrepresented backgrounds, according to a release from BRPT. He began by offering guidance, sharing resources, and advocating for their professional growth. In doing so, he was able to help them navigate the challenges of their careers and to foster a more inclusive work environment. This included encouraging diverse voices to participate in research projects, present at conferences, and engage in professional networks.
“DEI efforts are profoundly significant to me on a personal level because they reflect my core values of fairness, empathy, and respect for all individuals,” says Ajmal in a release. “Witnessing firsthand the impact of these initiatives on both patients and colleagues has reinforced my commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive environment. By addressing barriers to care and fostering professional opportunities, I am dedicated to ensuring that the field of sleep medicine is accessible and representative of the diverse populations we serve.”
Application Process and Eligibility for DEI Educational Grant
The application window opened in mid-August, and the deadline for receipt of all applications was Sept 12. The BRPT’s DEI committee reviewed all applications through a rubric to determine the best-qualified applicants.
The BRPT’s DEI Educational Grant Program provides financial assistance to current sleep technologists who are eligible to sit for the RPSGT exam via one of the five pathways, or a Certification in Clinical Sleep Health exam candidate who is eligible to sit for the exam via one of the three pathways available.
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