Addressing Breast Cancer Disparities Through Surgical Workforce Diversity

Abstract

Purpose of Review: To review the current state of surgical workforce diversity and its impact. Recent findings: The current state of the U.S. healthcare workforce has fallen short of what is owed to a diverse patient population and workforce diversity remains a perquisite to achieve health equity. Summary: Compared to the patient population, there are disproportionately fewer providers of color. Workforce diversity leads to better patient experience and outcomes, trusting relationships and community engagement, and increased equity research. Current policies threaten to halt the little progress that has been made in increasing workforce diversity, but this can be addressed with careful and intentional concerted efforts.