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Association for Academic Surgery Presidential Address - Hidden Figures: They Are all Around Us
Reagan A Collins1, Gopika SenthilKumar2, Kaitlyn F Nimmer2
1Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|July 10, 2026
Summary
Surgical resident attrition disproportionately impacts underrepresented trainees. Implementing mentorship and allyship can improve retention and strengthen the surgical workforce pipeline.
Area of Science:
- Academic Surgery
- Surgical Workforce Development
Background:
- The United States faces a projected surgeon shortage of 10,000-19,900 by 2036.
- Current systems lack meaningful expansion of general surgery residency positions.
- Trainee attrition disproportionately affects underrepresented groups, leading to talent loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore factors contributing to surgical resident attrition.
- To identify strategies for improving trainee retention and career advancement.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes the "Hidden Figures" framework to analyze systemic issues.
- Incorporates personal narrative and professional reflection.
- Examines the impact of invisibility, lack of sponsorship, and allyship.
Main Results:
- Microinvestments, leadership development, and allyship can reverse attrition.
- Personal narratives highlight structural challenges in academic surgery.
- Systemic factors undermine resident persistence and advancement.
Conclusions:
- Workforce sustainability requires moving beyond symbolic diversity.
- Focus must shift to measurable retention, promotion, and belonging.
- Intentional strategies are needed to strengthen the academic surgical pipeline.
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