COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & WELLNESS
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & WELLNESS
GROWING : Residents Elected to Diversity Medical Education Committee
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery third-year residents Andrew McGee , MD , and Mitchell Messner , MD , were appointed to one-year terms on the Patient Safety Subcommittee of the Dean ’ s Council for Diversity Medical Education . The council is committed to promoting a more diverse presence of highly qualified trainees at UAB while continuing to foster a culture and environment that is welcoming and inclusive .
ACTING : Professor Seeks to Attract More Women to Ortho Surgery
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons conducts a census every two years , and results show that at least 90 % of the profession is male . The number of female orthopaedic surgeons is growing , but they accounted for fewer than 6 % in the 2018 survey .
UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Associate Professor Sara Gould , MD , wants to change that at UAB Medicine and nationally . In 2019 , the department partnered with the Perry Initiative to host a Perry Outreach Program at UAB . Led by Dr . Gould , it was a one-day career exploration for young women in high school who are interested in careers in orthopaedic surgery , engineering , or both .
Eighteen high school students and 18 medical students attended the Perry Initiative and responded to the preevent and post-event surveys , from which Dr . Gould gleaned key information . Prior to the event , 31 % of attendees reported knowing a female orthopaedist . The Perry Initiative improved their perceptions regarding the ability of women in orthopaedic residencies to maintain a work / life balance and raise a family . Ultimately , Dr . Gould concluded that medical student participation in the program led to fewer negative beliefs about schedule and family life barriers , and it improved general perceptions about the orthopaedic surgery field .
“ It is key to show young women – especially while they are in high school , college , or medical school – that they can be a part of this field and that there is a seat ready for them here at the table ,” Dr . Gould says . “ These are formative years when students begin to select their ultimate career path , and we want more women to see that orthopaedic surgery is a wonderful choice .”
Dr . Gould and Megan Coffin , a medical student who contributed to the research , presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2021 meeting in San Diego , Calif ., which followed all COVID-19 safety protocols .
30 UAB Orthopaedic Surgery Report