2023 Update on equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canadian cardiac surgery

Despite efforts to diversify the medical field, cardiac surgery remains amongst the least diverse specialties. Specifically, the percentage of women and racial minorities has remained low in past few decades. This may impact prospective trainee recruitment and surgical care. This paper highlights recent efforts that aim to promote diversity and inclusion of the Canadian cardiac surgical workforce.

Formal programs have been established to support students at different stages of training. In 2022, the Canadian Society for Cardiac Surgery has released an equity, diversity, and inclusion statement to summarize the current state and the strategic goals to accomplish a more just working environment. At the local level, the University of Toronto Next Surgeon high school pilot program, provided low-income, women, and racial minority students mentorship and experiential exposure to our field. Also, the University of Toronto, scholarships funded summer research with cardiac surgeons for women, as well as Black and Indigenous medical students.

Tangible efforts that target high school, undergraduate, and medical students are underway to promote equity and diversity of cardiac surgeons in Canada. Future studies that evaluate the gaps and identify bottlenecks could better guide interventions at institutions across the country.