The Current Status and Importance of Diversity in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Purpose of Review: The cardiothoracic surgery workforce has historically comprised a relatively homogeneous community, in terms of gender diversity, as well as representation of racial and ethnic minorities and other underrepresented populations. However, significant efforts have been undertaken to promote an increasingly diverse and inclusive workforce in the field. Recent Findings: Diversity of surgical providers remains a pertinent issue for the advancement of medical and surgical care, particularly within underrepresented communities. A diverse workplace begets novel thinking and stimulates collaboration in unique ways. Although the cardiothoracic surgery workforce is rapidly evolving, advances in academic realms continue to lag somewhat, with women and minorities disproportionally underrepresented. However, purposeful efforts are under way to promote gender and ethnic diversity among trainees as well as within the surgical leadership and among scholarly activities locally and nationally. The growth of women in thoracic surgery as a professional organization has been instrumental in providing women at all training levels with formal leadership roles, scholarships, research projects, and additional career development opportunities. More recently, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Workforce on diversity and inclusion was established to foster a broader acceptance of diversity and inclusion within the Society and specialty at large, and thus far has published findings on members’ attitudes and practice gaps as well as created an annual diversity symposium and several interdisciplinary partnerships. Other successful programs such as the American Association for Thoracic Surgery Leadership Academy and Thoracic Surgery Social Media Network have additionally made substantial strides toward inclusion and representation of women and minorities in this specialty. Summary: Notable efforts are underway to promote the inclusion of women and underrepresented minorities within cardiothoracic surgery, as well as to provide opportunities for exposure and networking to trainees interested in the field. Such advances are essential to the success of cardiothoracic surgery, enabling optimal care of our patients and pertinent research endeavors.