Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
5-2024
Publication Title
APSA 2024 Abstract Book
Abstract
Abstract: Purpose: Representation among pediatric surgeons does not reflect the pediatric patient population. In line with the Association of Pediatric Surgery Training Program Directors (APSTPD)’s mission to broaden cognitive diversity and representation in the workforce via leadership development and longitudinal mentorship, the Alliance of Pediatric Surgeons Growing and Advancing Representation (APGAR) was created with national collaboration. One year later, we report on the composition of APGAR and the perspectives of its members. Methods: Seventeen mentorship groups (“pods”) were formally established with representatives from each premedical learner level from high school students to pediatric surgery fellows and attendings. Pods were led by faculty surgeons and met quarterly. Programming was facilitated via video conferencing in large and small-group settings. A survey was administered prior to pod formation and at the one-year checkpoint. Results: A total of 126 trainees and 29 faculty pediatric surgeons participated in national APGAR programming, representing 54 institutions. Ninety-seven trainees completed the pre-survey and 46 completed the postsurveys (111 unique trainees), with a response rate of 88%. Survey participants were primarily women (74%) and exhibited diversity in race and training level. [Figure 1] Median age was 26 years [IQR 24-28, range 13-42]. Many had prior clinical (60%) or research (49%) experiences in pediatric surgery. Trainee perspectives regarding the ranked importance of factors affecting specialty selection (e.g., compensation, job market) and their perceptions of pediatric surgeons (e.g., work-life balance, team environment) were not significantly different before the creation of pods and one year later. Majority of participants believed APGAR increased their interest in pursuing pediatric surgery specialty training (60%), highly valued the mentorship provided by APGAR (76%), and believed that APGAR membership helps them prepare for a career in pediatric surgery (52%). Conclusion: One-year qualitative assessment illustrates how APGAR, a longitudinal small-group inter-institutional networking and longitudinal mentorship program, may improve trainee perspectives and career preparation. This platform encourages participation of minoritized groups early during their education toward an eventual pathway to pediatric surgery. Long-term implementation and follow-up are required to determine sustainable impact.
First Page
288
Last Page
289
Recommended Citation
Gavulic AE, Campwala I, Moreno N, Mallamaplli GM, Ibrahim Y, Stallion A, et al. Improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in pediatric surgery: an innovative mentorship program. In: American Pediatric Surgical Association Annual Meeting Abstract Book 2024 [Internet]. APSA 2024: 2024 May 15-19; Phoenix, AZ. East Dundee, IL: American Pediatric Surgical Association; 2024. p.288-289. Available from: https://apsapedsurg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/APSA-Abstracts-Book.pdf
Comments
American Pediatric Surgical Association Annual Meeting, May 15-19, 2024, Phoenix, AZ