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Fulfilling the dreams of our ancestors: Building the Native American Surgical Society
Lyndsay A Kandi1, J Caleb Shahbandeh2, Tasce Bongiovanni3
1Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
Background:
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals remain profoundly underrepresented in surgical specialties. No national organization has historically focused on AI/AN surgeons.
Methods:
The Native American Surgical Society (NASS) was established through community-driven engagements at the 2023 and 2024 Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) annual meetings using culturally grounded methods, including talking circles and consensus-based workgroups.
Results:
Participants spanned the surgical training continuum, representing 36 tribal affiliations and multiple specialties. Key outcomes included formal organizational establishment, development of mentorship infrastructure, and creation of national outreach initiatives.
Conclusions:
NASS represents the first Indigenous-led national effort to support AI/AN surgeons. Sustained progress will require investment in mentorship, infrastructure, and policy aligned with tribal sovereignty to improve representation and surgical equity.