How can pediatric surgeons address racism and become actively anti-racist?

This is an article submitted on behalf of the Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons. We assert that Pediatric Surgeons must work to dismantle systemic racism. Pediatric Surgeons have expertise in both common and rare surgical diseases affecting patients ranging from premature neonates to adolescents. Thus, our professional obligation is to transform our health and social systems to prevent the harms of racism to our patients.

Specific to the Canadian context, we describe a brief history, the ongoing impact on individuals and communities, and the harmful effect on the surgical community and trainees. Finally, we developed a series of practical recommendations to help surgeons become actively anti-racist.

Four primary recommendations are made: (1) Increasing and supporting anti-racism education; (2) Changing individual behaviours to combat racism; (3) Developing strategies for organizational change; and (4) Committing to diversity in leadership.

As surgeons, we are actors of change, and we can take meaningful steps to combat racism in our health systems.

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