Bound Together: Allyship in the Art of Medicine

Abstract

In the setting of the immense social, political, medical, and cultural challenges of last year, medicine has been made acutely aware of its participation in inequity and in response offers allyship as a framework for clinicians to pursue change, using tools already apart of the practice of medicine.Allyship in the workplace can be summarized as a strategic mechanism used by individuals to become collaborators who fight injustice and promote equity through supportive personal relationships and public acts of sponsorship and advocacy. The idea of allyship may be intimidating, particularly for practitioners and leaders who do not belong to the communities they endeavor to support. But as the article unpacks, practitioners need not look any further for how to be allies than what they practice every day: lifelong learning; humility in complications; an expectation of imperfection; and, bound together with those who suffer, persistence in the pursuit of healing.

Inclusion and Allyship in Orthopaedic Surgery Training and Practice

“…In reality, healthcare professionals are trained specifically to navigate this type of discomfort. 6 Throughout their careers, clinicians care for and treat patients who suffer from illnesses that these clinicians have never experienced. There is a universal understanding in healthcare that complications are certain, mistakes are inevitable, and there are times in which medicine falls short of a cure.…”

Tackling the Minority Tax: A Roadmap to Redistributing Engagement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

“…Most if not all URiM otolaryngologist professors and leaders will attribute success to grit and perseverance combined with ingredients of mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship from nonminority groups. 64 Allyship is part of the larger project of achieving collective engagement in DEI initiatives, as explored in the next section.…”

“…Allyship relates to these concepts and can include small acts of lightening an unduly heavy load, affording a voice to someone who might have difficult speaking up, or acknowledging daily lived experiences. Most if not all URiM otolaryngologist professors and leaders will attribute success to grit and perseverance combined with ingredients of mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship from nonminority groups 64 . Allyship is part of the larger project of achieving collective engagement in DEI initiatives, as explored in the next section.…”

“…Last, allyship involves fighting injustice and promoting equity through acts of advocacy. 64 The concept of allyship continues to evolve, and one definition of allyship is ''when a person of privilege works in solidarity and partnership with a marginalized group of people to help take down the systems that challenge that group's basic rights, equal access, and ability to thrive in our society. 65 Health care professionals of majority groups have an enormous opportunity to serve as allies for patients, colleagues, and communities at the margins.…”

Improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery in Canada: A Call to Action

“…This typically involves using one's voice and position of power to support disadvantaged individuals with the aim of promoting equity. 69…”