Leadership Diversity in the Association of Program Directors in Surgery: A Report of Progress

A Call to Action

“…Currently, residency programs in the United States are required to demonstrate commitment to diversity before certification by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS) also identified diversity, inclusion, and equity as key facets of surgical training 1. Similarly, the advancement and retention of URiM surgeons in academia has become a major focus due to limited faculty representation and the promise of having diverse surgical leaders as advocates 2.…”

“…Nevertheless, recent research reveals that existing policies fall short in promoting diversity, inclusion, or equity. Efforts to increase the number of women and ethnic URiM individuals in surgical residency and faculty positions have remained persistently stagnant, while representation in surgical leadership has regressed 1,2…”

“…Successful recruitment must be followed by long-term retention and advancement. Systemic policies which promote a more inclusive experience for URiM residents encompass reporting systems for mistreatment; equalization of gender wage gaps and adequate maternity leave1; mandatory trainings that address bias, awareness, and strategies for interrupting microaggressions; and the transparent appointment of diverse faculty and administrators to serve as advocates 2. However, these interventions often fall short due to limited scope and perceived lack of administrative action 4.…”

“…T he recruitment, retention, and advancement of populations underrepresented in medicine (URiM) continue to be longterm endeavors for all surgical specialty training programs. 1,2 Diverse representation in surgery has been associated with improved team communication, organizational productivity, and quality patient care 1 ; it may also enhance community connections and access to surgical care for underserved and/or rural populations. 1 As a result, this important goal has been universally recognized by accrediting bodies and education leadership.…”

“…1,2 Diverse representation in surgery has been associated with improved team communication, organizational productivity, and quality patient care 1 ; it may also enhance community connections and access to surgical care for underserved and/or rural populations. 1 As a result, this important goal has been universally recognized by accrediting bodies and education leadership. Currently, residency programs in the United States are required to demonstrate commitment to diversity before certification by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).…”