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Review
. 2022;8(4):214-226.
doi: 10.1007/s40719-022-00240-6. Epub 2022 Sep 5.

History of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Trauma Surgery: for Our Patients, for Our Profession, and for Ourselves

Esther S Tseng  1 , Brian H Williams  2 , Heena P Santry  3   4   5 , Matthew J Martin  6 , Andrew C Bernard  7 , Bellal A Joseph  8
Affiliations
Review

History of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Trauma Surgery: for Our Patients, for Our Profession, and for Ourselves

Esther S Tseng et al. Curr Trauma Rep. 2022.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Disparities exist in outcome after injury, particularly related to race, ethnicity, socioeconomics, geography, and age. The mechanisms for this outcome disparity continue to be investigated. As trauma care providers, we are challenged to be mindful of and mitigate the impact of these disparities so that all patients realize the same opportunities for recovery. As surgeons, we also have varied professional experiences and opportunities for achievement and advancement depending upon our gender, ethnicity, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Even within a profession associated with relative affluence, socioeconomic status conveys different professional opportunities for surgeons.

Recent findings: Fortunately, the profession of trauma surgery has undergone significant progress in raising awareness of patient and professional inequity among trauma patients and surgeons and has implemented systematic changes to diminish these inequities. Herein we will discuss the history of equity and inclusion in trauma surgery as it has affected our patients, our profession, and our individual selves.

Summary: Our goal is to provide a historical context, a status report, and a list of key initiatives or objectives on which all of us must focus. In doing so, the best possible clinical outcomes can be achieved for patients and the best professional and personal "outcomes" can be achieved for practicing and future trauma surgeons.

Keywords: Acute care surgery; Disparity; Diversity; Equity; Gender; Health outcomes; Racism; Trauma.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing InterestsThe authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Breakdown of firearm deaths in 2020 shows suicide remains the most common cause at 54.1%. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Underlying Cause of Death 1999–2020 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2021. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html on Feb 6, 2022 11:08:36 PM
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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