History of Surgical Disparities
Jillian Schneidman1, Michael Kim2, Jeremy Grushka3
1Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
The Surgical Clinics of North America
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Surgical disparities stem from historical inequities and racism, impacting patient outcomes and provider diversity. Understanding these roots is crucial for achieving equitable surgical care for all.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Health Equity
- Surgical History
Background:
- Surgical disparities are linked to historical and structural inequities, including racism and exclusionary practices.
- Past surgical advancements exploited marginalized groups, creating lasting mistrust and unequal care.
- These legacies contribute to disparities in patient outcomes and underrepresentation of minorities in surgery.
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