Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Transparency, Measures, and Accountability

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are significant tenets in healthcare organizations and surgical societies. A diverse healthcare workforce is essential and has demonstrated significant patient benefits, including improved health outcomes, decreased infant mortality, and improved adherence to treatment regimens. Underrepresented minorities are more likely to serve underrepresented communities, including low-resource or coverage communities. Initiatives to improve DEI include strategic directed contact, transparency, accountability, and metrics such as DEI indices. SAGES has implemented several initiatives to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion as a society and improve DEI within the surgical community. The society has elected four female presidents and, currently, its first African-American female president, Patricia Sylla MD (2023–2024).