AOA Critical Issues Symposium: Allyship in Action.

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Medical Workforce Diversity

Background:

• Orthopaedics demonstrates a significant lag in workforce diversity compared to other medical specialties.
• Diverse teams are crucial for innovation, problem-solving, and equitable patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the disparity in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within orthopaedics.
• To explore actionable strategies for creating inclusive environments in the orthopaedic profession.

Main Methods:

• Convened the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) DEI symposium in June 2024.
• Incorporated insights from business and medical oncology regarding DEI best practices.
• Facilitated dynamic audience participation and fireside chats.

Main Results:

• Highlighted the critical role of allyship in supporting underrepresented groups.
• Identified tangible steps for individuals and institutions to promote DEI.
• Emphasized the need for deliberate, sustained effort in fostering inclusivity.

Conclusions:

• Orthopaedics can transform by embracing allyship and adopting lessons from other fields.
• Creating inclusive spaces ensures diverse voices contribute to the future of orthopaedics.
• Actionable strategies can dismantle structural barriers and promote equitable patient care.