Strategies for Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Surgical Specialties

Representation in the field of surgery is historically homogeneous and does not reflect the increasingly diverse patient population in the United States. Diversity in surgery is important for delivering culturally competent and empathetic surgical care, which can have implications for patient outcomes. Representation in surgery that mirrors the general population also reduces biases among care team members and improves interpersonal communication and working environments. Successful strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in surgery exist and are discussed. From residency recruitment to retention efforts, mentorship to sponsorship, this chapter provides medical students with a framework for effectively navigating a journey to academic surgery and seeking the best opportunities to advance in the field.