Many organizations, including the ACS, have recently accelerated discussions and activities regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics. To gather more information on this subject, the 2022 ACS Leadership Survey included questions concerning DEI related experiences of members and the respective organizations where they practice.
The quantitative survey was distributed to ACS volunteer leaders, including members of the Advisory Councils, Board of Governors, and more than 20 additional ACS Committees in September 2022. A total of 470 responses were received for a response rate of 63%.
41% of respondents were required to complete DEI education when they began employment. Of these respondents, 82% were required to use online self-directed modules and 48% had required in-person training. The survey did not include questions on the length, content, and structure of the in-person training. 30% were provided or recommended reading materials. Only 15% were required to participate in national training efforts.
60% of respondents have a designated DEI officer/ombudsman at their organization/practice and 56% work at places with formal DEI training sessions. 45% also indicated the availability of anonymous reporting systems for DEI concerns.
Fewer respondents identified that their organization/practice has demonstrated intentionality to promote underrepresented in medicine (URiM) faculty to leadership positions (28%) or have a Visiting Medical URiM Student Elective Program (24%). 20% reported that their organization/practice has a transparent faculty salary reporting system, and the same number reported “a transparent model for achieving pay parity/equity.”
As with challenging surgical problems, the ACS looks at the science, best practices, and opportunities for quality improvements, and decisions are made on how to best handle the challenge and identify untapped opportunities. This survey has provided valuable data that informs the College’s evidence-based approach to advance surgical excellence with DEI across the house of surgery.
This article is the third in a series of brief summaries focusing on the results of the Leadership Survey. Read the previous entries on the Leadership Communications Assessment and surgeons’ thoughts on APPs.
