Mentoring as a Means to Achieving Workforce Diversification in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic surgery
• Health equity
• Workforce diversity

Background:

• Health care disparities persist in orthopaedic surgery.
• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has recognized the need for a culturally competent and diverse workforce for nearly two decades.
• Despite acknowledgment, significant progress in workforce diversification remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the role of mentoring in addressing workforce diversification within orthopaedic surgery.
• To provide actionable recommendations for enhancing diversity initiatives in the field.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on diversity initiatives in orthopaedics.
• Analysis of the AAOS's commitment to a diverse workforce.
• Exploration of mentoring as a strategic intervention.

Main Results:

• Mentoring is identified as a key strategy to foster diversity and inclusion.
• Current diversity efforts have yielded limited progress over the past 20 years.
• Targeted mentoring programs can enhance recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups.

Conclusions:

• Mentorship is a vital tool for achieving a diverse and culturally competent orthopaedic workforce.
• Proactive and enhanced mentoring strategies are necessary to overcome historical inertia.
• Diversifying the orthopaedic workforce is essential for improving patient care and ensuring health equity for all communities.