AAST mission of inclusion and diversity is accomplished through the following:
- Creating, welcoming, and actively promoting diversity within its membership and leadership
- Ensuring transparency and equity in all decisions related to scholarships, membership, and leadership positions
- Actively promoting diversity in programming and participation in the Annual Scientific Meeting
- Initiation of educational efforts aimed at eliminating health inequities and increasing cultural awareness within the profession of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
- Advocating for issues that affect disadvantaged patient populations
- Striving to dismantle systemic inequities that influence the work of the organization
- Providing career development opportunities for surgeon scholars and leaders from diverse backgrounds
- Further developing diverse representation on the editorial boards of both AAST journals, TSACO and JTACS.
Updated President's Statement on Racism
AAST Statement on Racism
As surgeons, our duty by oath is to care for all who are sick and injured. Racism and discrimination are forms of structural violence and are public health issues that are especially harmful to our Black, Brown, AAPI, and LGTBQ communities. AAST stands against any and all forms of racism, violence, intolerance, and discrimination. We will continue to support our patients, fellows, and associates by using our voices to amplify and support the health and safety of all races, ethnicities, classifications, and self-identification. We encourage you to listen to your patients, fellow members, and coworkers' experiences during this time and to continue to offer them your support. As an organization, we call on our members to continue our mission to improve the quality of care for EVERY patient by advancing our field through compassion, discovery, and dedication.
David A. Spain, MD, FACS