Diversity in Orthopaedic Surgery: What Is Next? What is Needed Collectively? How Do You Go About Effecting Positive...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Specialties
• Diversity and Inclusion

Background:

• Orthopedic surgery is identified as the least diverse medical specialty.
• Contributing factors include limited diversity in medical schools, insufficient role models and mentors, and experiences of discrimination and bias.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline strategies for addressing the lack of diversity in orthopedic surgery.
• To highlight effective interventions for promoting a more diverse future orthopedic workforce.

Main Methods:

• Review of factors contributing to lack of diversity in orthopedic surgery.
• Identification of key strategies and initiatives to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Main Results:

• Lack of diversity in orthopedic surgery is multifactorial, stemming from educational pipelines, mentorship deficits, and systemic bias.
• Targeted pipeline programs, mentorship, and institutional DEI initiatives are effective in promoting diversity.
• Cultural shifts and dedicated efforts are leading to a more diverse future orthopedic workforce.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the diversity gap in orthopedic surgery requires a multifaceted approach.
• Pipeline programs and mentorship are crucial for fostering diversity.
• Ongoing cultural change and strategic initiatives are essential for achieving a representative orthopedic workforce.