In my State of the Department address last September, I presented “You” as the theme of the academic year. In fact, “We” proved the brighter North Star. Socially distanced and racially divided, 2020 was both a mirror and a megaphone for the power of community, diversity, and inclusion.
As a Department, we have taken important steps in developing a diverse work culture, reflective of our values. Since 2018, we have established lectureships for Diversity, Women in Surgery, and Professionalism. We are newly institutional members of the Society of Black American Surgeons and the Association of Women Surgeons. Our Diversity, Wellness, and Citizenship Award committees formed organically, from the engagement of members across the system. We have started to turn Diversity into something We Do.
There is room to do more.
I am setting We as the theme of the 2021 academic year. Our mission: to take meaningful action against systemic racism and prejudice, toward a culture where every person feels welcomed, respected, and valued.
More specifically, I would like us to accomplish the following:
- Recruit a Vice Chair of Diversity & Inclusion.
- Publish a semi-annual Diversity Scorecard.
- Extend national societal membership (AWS, SBAS) to all trainees.
- Support local, black-owned businesses.
- Double URM representation among faculty.
Of course, my vision for the Department is only as strong as the degree to which it reflects the collective We — and the demands of the entire surgery community. I welcome, and encourage, the feedback. Several of you have communicated your concerns and requests around social justice in the past weeks. I am listening. Thank you. Please, let’s continue the dialogue and chart a course of action, today.
Sincerely,
Nita Ahuja MD MBA FACS
Chair, Department of Surgery