David S. Shapiro

Modern medicine is facing a crisis of identity -- at all levels, there are shortages of specialties and we cannot afford to ignore the discrimination and exclusivity that prevents multiple societal groups from joining professions. Specifically, this refers to the exclusivity in surgical specialties and how uncomfortable they have made the LGBTQ population and prevented their interest. Whether you are LGBT or not, we all must actively attract all possible candidates to our respective professions -- there is talent hidden behind closet doors and in inaccessible areas of our even more segmented populations.

This event instructs the participants on how to best approach inclusivity for the LGBTQ population, with assurances that the 'invisible' segments of our populations are sometimes the most important to address directly. The concept of human resources and recruitment excluding key questions may be surpassed by simply acknowledging self and assuring we are attracting the right candidates from the so-called fringes. Constantly attending to the needs of certain groups is easier than originally thought, and can absolutely bring important discussions forward.

In addition, the ability for programs to assure feelings of safety among our constituents once they join remains important. Macro- and micro-aggressions can be fleeting, and must be addressed in a constructive way. When we open our minds to the possible, opportunities present themselves and confirm we provide access to those with enthusiasm and engagement.