Incorporating Allyship/Anti-Bias Programs into Otolaryngology: The Tennessee Commitment Initiative (AMW)
2021 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO Experience
The diversity of the United States continues to increase at a rate far beyond that of the medical workforce. Otolaryngology consistently ranks significantly lower in gender and ethnic diversity compared to other subspecialties. To date, there is scarce literature characterizing the number and extent of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives and their impact on the field of otolaryngology. The surgical and clinical environment can allow conscious and unconscious bias to become prevalent due to the inherent automaticity that frequently takes place during rapid as well as stressful conditions. The Tennessee Commitment Initiative is a program we have incorporated at UTHSC – Memphis, that provides tools for identifying implicit and explicit biases; as well as teaching skills on countering bias through allyship. These competencies play an integral role in fostering a supportive environment and initiating open dialogue for all members of our specialty.
Credits
CME:0.5, MOC:0.5