Diversity Representation On Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Websites

Background: Recruitment and retention of a diverse healthcare workforce is a common residency program requirement as outlined by the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Surgical subspecialties (plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, etc.) still face longstanding low racial and ethnic representation among healthcare providers. Diversifying the healthcare workforce is paramount to addressing healthcare disparities.
Methods: The websites of all integrated plastic surgery programs acknowledged by the ACGME in December 2020 were analyzed. All websites attributed to integrated plastic surgery programs were reviewed for general information, diversity elements, and patient information.
Results: Eighty-one integrated plastic surgery residencies were identified. Five percent of plastic surgery programs had a program specific diversity, equity, and inclusion statement (DEI). Seventy percent of plastic surgery programs provided a link to an institution-wide DEI statement. Plastic surgery programs on average had more male and Fitzpatrick 1-3 residents.
Conclusions: Multiple studies have shown underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in plastic surgery literature. Our results further highlight racial and ethnic disparities present within the field of plastic surgery. Diversity representation is scarce in academic Plastic Surgery websites. Program-specific DEI statements are not common, however addition of a program-specific DEI statement both demonstrates diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values of the program and may facilitate the recruitment of a more diverse workforce.

2022 UVA Health Disparities Conference - Breakout Session 2: Promoting Health Equity in Health Professions Education