Healio reports that although research has shown diversity in health care can enhance patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes and improve access to care, women and historically underrepresented groups still represent a minority in orthopedics. 

A survey from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons showed 6.1% of practicing orthopedic surgeons and 15.4% of orthopedic residents are women. Similarly, data from the Association of American Medical Colleges showed 1.9% of practicing orthopedic surgeons are Black or African American.

“Orthopedics has been a male dominant field. However, there has been an abundance of efforts to encourage women to pursue this specialty,” Eric W. Carson, MD, orthopedic surgeon at HSS, told Healio. “Underrepresented minorities do not always have the same access or exposure. The point of [AANA Future Scope] is to expose young people, particularly first- and second-year students, to orthopedics and exactly what that entails as a career.”

Read the full article at healio.com.