Operating Bias?: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Surgical Specialties

Health care disparities are defined as differences in quality and rates of health, health care, morbidity, and mortality among patients of varying racial or ethnic groups. Racial and ethnic disparities are unfortunately pervasive in the surgical literature and among surgical specialties. They may result from any combination of patient, societal, system, and provider-related factors. Disparities exist in relation to health care access, treatments, and post-operative outcomes. Potential ways to better address and rectify racial and ethnic disparities are through continued research into causes of disparities, as well as establishment, implementation, and adherence to standardized, objective treatment guidelines. Significant and continued efforts are needed in order to develop better understanding of and potential solutions for reducing these disparities.