Diversity in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Workforce time for Change

Cardiothoracic surgery is among the least diverse specialties in terms of racial and gender diversity. Lack of diversity is detrimental to patient care, physician well-being, and stifles innovation.

Clinical Background

• Welcome and introduction – Dr. Douglas Wood (USA)

• Current status of diversity in thoracic surgery workforce - Dr. Robert Higgins (USA)

• Benefits of developing a more diverse thoracic surgery workforce - Dr. David Tom Cooke (USA)

• Pipeline development - Dr. Elina Quiroga (USA)

• Mentorship, retention, and promotion - Dr. Cherie Erkmen (USA)

• Institutional and cultural barriers - Dr. Jo Chikwe (USA)

• International collaboration and cross-training - Dr. Jacques Kponodu (USA)

• Discussion – All faculty moderated by Dr. Douglas Wood (USA)