Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) diversity, equity and inclusion series: A review of surgical disparities in the vulnerable communities of the USA - The black community (Part I).

Abstract

Background: Surgical health care disparities remain pervasive in the US, with historically marginalized communities disproportionately suffering from numerous health disorders and experiencing excess mortality compared to the majority community. The African American/Black community remains one of those historically challenged communities and efforts to help mitigate these health care disparities are ongoing.

Methods: To aid in this issue, The Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) convened a series of presentations and a panel discussion by leaders from SBAS to better articulate disease specific health care disparities in the Black community. This program was part of a monthly diversity, equity, and inclusion series produced by the Advances in Surgery Channel in alliance with the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Erin King-Mullins addresses the current state of colorectal cancer in the Black population. Dr. Bridget Oppong speaks about disparities and equity in breast cancer care in the Black community, and Dr. Paris Butler provides insight into racial disparities in post mastectomy breast cancer reconstruction.

Results: Exhaustively, SBAS members candidly provide evidence-based data describing disease specific health care disparities that disproportionately impact the Black community. Of equal import, these experts also provide strategies to mitigate disparities both locally and nationally, if properly resourced.

Conclusions: Providing equitable surgical health care for historically vulnerable communities remains an unsolved challenge in the US. Amplifying these disparities and implementing strategies to alleviate them are necessary. Organized surgery's efforts in partnership with the community will be essential to addressing these longstanding issues.