Quality and fairness: achieving the paradigm. A personal perspective

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Socioeconomic Factors in Healthcare
• Orthopaedic Surgery Training

Background:

• Systemic racism and societal discrimination create significant barriers for underrepresented groups, including African Americans.
• These barriers impact access to and success in competitive medical fields like orthopaedic surgery.
• Misconceptions persist regarding the qualifications of underrepresented applicants in orthopaedic surgery residency programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address and correct misconceptions about the applicant pool for orthopaedic surgery residency.
• To redefine the terms "qualified" and "best qualified" in the context of residency selection, considering societal inequities.
• To advocate for strategies that level the playing field for underrepresented minorities in orthopaedic surgery.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of existing literature and definitions related to applicant selection.
• Examination of societal factors, including racism, influencing access to orthopaedic surgery training.
• Discussion of the implications of current selection criteria on diversity in the field.

Main Results:

• The current definitions of "qualified" and "best qualified" may inadvertently perpetuate existing inequities.
• Racism remains a pervasive issue that negatively impacts the opportunities for underrepresented individuals in orthopaedics.
• A critical re-evaluation of selection processes is necessary to ensure fairness and equity.

Conclusions:

• Orthopaedic surgery residency selection processes must be re-evaluated to dismantle systemic barriers.
• Efforts to level the playing field are crucial for increasing diversity and addressing historical discrimination.
• Promoting equitable access is essential for the advancement of the field and patient care.