The Value of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Otolaryngology

Abstract

Diversity impacts performance of our teams, fosters innovation, and improves outcomes of our patients in otolaryngology head and neck surgery. In addition to the moral imperative, increasing the otolaryngology diversity workforce will decrease health care disparities while equity and justice can increase the culture humility to take care of an increasingly diverse patient population. To move toward justice, otolaryngology departments need to end biases in faculty hiring, development, research evaluations, and publication practices. The more intentional our efforts, the more benefit to our patients, providers, staff, learners, and society.

Keywords: Anti-racism; Diversity; Equity; Health care disparities; Inclusion; Otolaryngology work force; Social determinants of health.