Strengthening the Pipeline: Promoting Diversity into Orthopedic Surgery

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Medical Diversity

Background:

• The United States population exhibits significant racial and ethnic diversity.
• Athletes reflect this national diversity.
• However, orthopedic surgeons serving as team physicians are overwhelmingly Caucasian and male.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the current diversity status among orthopedic team physicians.
• To identify barriers hindering diversity in this field.
• To propose strategies for enhancing diversity in orthopedic surgery.

Main Methods:

• Review of the current status of diversity in orthopedic team physicians.
• Identification of barriers to diversity.
• Summary of pipeline initiatives implemented at an academic medical institution.

Main Results:

• Orthopedic team physicians lack racial and ethnic diversity.
• Significant barriers exist that limit diversity in the field.
• Pipeline initiatives show potential for improving diversity.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need to address the lack of diversity among orthopedic team physicians.
• Pipeline initiatives can serve as models for other institutions to enhance diversity.
• Increased diversity in orthopedic surgery is essential to mirror the nation's population.