Dissecting Diversity: A Comprehensive Look at the Present Landscape and Future Challenges in Surgical Specialties

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2024.04.003
• Publication Date: 2024-05-17T11:52:33Z
• Authors: Rebeka Dejenie; Elise EH Fannon; Julia Persky; Emmanuel Gaeta; Khadija Soufi; Brian Howard; Kathryn M Stadeli; Luis A Godoy

As the US demographic evolves, surgical fields must adapt to ensure equitable healthcare. Healthcare disparities notably affect minority populations, with communities of color often facing physician shortages and higher rates diseases such as coronary disease, stroke, cancer. Research shows that physicians significantly improve patient satisfaction outcomes in underserved communities, highlighting need for increased diversity enhance cultural competency centered care. Data from Association American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reveals minimal increases underrepresented minorities (URM) residency academic careers over past thirty-six years, little change URM applicants matriculants nine specialties recognized by College Surgeons 2010 2018. This review aims critically evaluate current landscape racial gender six out defined (general surgery, plastic neurosurgery, orthopedic cardiothoracic vascular surgery) US. We conducted a comprehensive literature assess state within United States. By analyzing benefits fields, evaluating effectiveness various programs initiatives, examining comparative between subspecialties, assessing impact on outcomes, our aim is highlight critical importance enhancing fields. While nuances representation vary across specialties, all persistently exhibit underrepresentation certain racial/ethnic groups persistent disparities. These manifest throughout phases, including residency, recruitment retention individuals surgery subspecialties. interventions decade have contributed improving significant persist. Limitations include time required recent show impacts inability established eliminate Despite clear benefits, remains an uphill battle. Addressing gap crucial healthcare access, workplace environments, requiring strategies targeted recruitment, mentorship programs, addressing systemic biases. highlights undeniable imperative serve call action.