Integration of a needs-based diversity, equity, and inclusion curriculum into surgical education

PurposeAlthough diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles are increasingly recognized as a critical component of surgical education, most departments of surgery lack a structured DEI curriculum. The purpose of this paper is to describe how our institution's Department of Surgery created an innovative curriculum that integrates the individual experiences of members of our department into our department's educational curriculum.MethodsWe developed a novel DEI curriculum that was customized based on a departmental survey. The curriculum was integrated into our General Surgery Grand Rounds and Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conferences started in 2020 and is ongoing.ResultsThe departmental environmental scan and needs assessment included 99 quantitative and qualitative questions. 204 individuals participated (response rate, 51%). The needs assessment queried participants' knowledge of DEI-related topics, perceptions of privilege, and insight into the overall climate in the department. Areas that were felt to be of particular concern were viewed as educational opportunities and prioritized as elements of the curriculum. A total of 13 DEI sessions were included over the course of 2 academic years. Topics included, but were not limited to, implicit bias mitigation, inclusive language, inclusive teaching, and microaggressions. Additional discussion sessions were incorporated that concentrated on trauma-informed care and op-ed writing. These sessions were held via Zoom and later transitioned to hybrid sessions with an average of 66 Zoom participants and 42 in-person participants. The cornerstone of the curriculum is an annual department-sponsored asynchronous screening of a DEI-related documentary, followed by a reflective discussion session. Additionally, a Health Equity Classification System was developed and incorporated into our weekly morbidity and mortality conferences and served as an adjunct to the traditional Clavien-Dindo taxonomy to discuss surgical complications that involve bias and health access issues.ConclusionsWhen effectively implemented, DEI curricula have the potential to equip trainees and practicing surgeons with the proper tools to meaningfully engage with one another and the community they serve. Elements of a DEI curriculum that were felt to be critical for success included ensuring the content of the curriculum was tailored for the audience, alignment with the department's global DEI efforts, and integration of innovative pedagogical methods that encouraged reflection.