Advancing Cultural Competency and Equity in Surgical Specialties (ACCESS): A Model for a Combined Resident and Faculty DEI Initiative

BACKGROUND

Committees dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not commonplace within departments of surgery. Even rarer are joint initiatives for residents and faculty. We aim to describe the creation of a collaborative committee within a department of surgery to better foster and advance the ideals of DEI.

METHODS

An informal needs-assessment was performed amongst the general surgery residency, advanced practice practitioners, and faculty. Other DEI groups throughout the institution were engaged for feedback and interdisciplinary collaboration.

RESULTS

Gaps were identified in social support for those from diverse backgrounds, advocacy and recruitment, general DEI education, and research. Three pillars were formed: Social Support, Education and Advocacy, and Research. The overall group and each pillar are co-led by residents and faculty. In less than a year, the group has launched a cultural complications morbidity and mortality curriculum, hosted the first city-wide LGTBQ+ in surgery event, created a safe space for discussion and support, and advocated for recruitment DEI initiatives. So far, the group consists of 48 residents, faculty, advanced practice practitioners, and staff.

CONCLUSIONS

An intentional, collaborative effort between residents and faculty in a department of surgery can successfully result in an effective partnership to advance DEI initiatives.