Past President's Message

The 2022 POSNA Annual Meeting Pre-Course was the last single topic pre-course for POSNA. Going forward, will commence in morning with a full academic agenda, including scientific talks and symposia. For pre-course, I wanted to choose that of vital importance required deeper dive: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. commend our chair, Dr. Julie Samora, on developing executing an extraordinary program. Diversity issues are hot topic; however, they remain difficult discuss openly challenging develop actionable strategies. title “Improving Patient Care through Inclusion.” This intentional. mission is “Advance Pediatric Orthopaedics by Promoting Education, Research, Quality Care.” Diverse organizations make better decisions outperform nondiverse organizations. Culturally appropriate healthcare appreciates diversity ultimately patients results patient outcomes. Thus, not just politically correct, it essential profession patients. As subspecialty, leads overall Orthopaedic Surgery terms diversity. Approximately 25% active members female, approximately 40% candidate female. However, this like having fastest time slowest heat. has least sex race all medical professions. 7% AAOS Women account 14.5% orthopaedic residents; only 3.5% residents Hispanic/Latino 5.4% African-American. unacceptable. What can do? must continue lead greater diversity, equity, inclusion within orthopaedics at large. established task force been formalized into Justice, Inclusion (JEDI) standing committee President’s Council. Board Directors restricted fund support DEI initiatives, research grants specific diverse investigators pediatric orthopaedics. continues work such as Nth Dimensions, Ruth Jackson Society, J. Robert Gladden grow pipeline females underrepresented minorities Surgery. At IPOS®, supported Pride Ortho, which hosted amazing reception LGBTQ+ their allies. But do more. first Asian-American President POSNA, appreciate what be other; we cannot fully understand each other’s unique experiences. includes 30% women non-white members. We need more positions leadership society. early-career mid-career development programs help identify future leaders. how unconscious bias affect interactions other families. Most importantly, keep forefront conversations. views perspectives. Ultimately, organization After all, mission.