Development of a diversity and inclusion taskforce in the department of surgery

We describe the development of a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) taskforce by the Department of Surgery at an academic medical center to provide a roadmap for other institutions and define local impact of DEI initiatives.

Our Surgery DEI taskforce was assembled in July 2020 in response to the urgent need to prioritize DEI within surgery. Strategic priorities and stakeholders were identified. Led by an attending surgeon, the taskforce initially consisted of surgical faculty and residents interested in advancing DEI efforts in the hospital, medical school, and community. Staff members and medical students were invited to join in September 2020.

The taskforce initially consisted of 16 surgical physicians. Current membership has grown to include 38 physicians, residents, students, and nurse practitioners. Early goals included: increasing education on benefits of diversity, promotion equity, and lactation policy creation. DEI efforts have expanded rapidly since, including initiating holistic review of Department of Surgery applications, incorporating DEI Grand Rounds events, and engaging in pathway programs for high schoolers. Additionally, medical students have facilitated 11 suturing, operating room orientation and robot workshops; 2 suture kit distributions; 11 DEI book club meetings; and 8 mentorship and networking initiatives.

Our departmental DEI taskforce has explored and acted on immediate and long-term actions related to education, recruitment, retention, and mentorship to support DEI in surgery. Our blueprint can be easily adapted to assist in the development or enhancement of surgery-specific DEI programs at institutions and medical schools.