AAST DEI Essay Contest

Hosted by the AAST Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and Associate Member Council, this essay contest provides medical students, residents, and fellows with an opportunity to share perspectives that promote inclusion and representation within acute care surgery. The contest aims to amplify a range of voices and foster meaningful dialogue within the specialty. Winning essays will be published in Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open and recognized at the AAST Annual Meeting.

The AAST invites medical students, residents, and fellows to participate in the 2026 DEI Essay Contest. This initiative aims to elevate the perspectives of medical students, residents, and fellows while fostering opportunities within the field of acute care surgery.

Choose One of the Following Prompts:

What responsibility do surgeons have in advancing equity within healthcare?
Describe an experience that shaped your understanding of bias, equity, or belonging.
In what ways can diverse perspectives strengthen clinical care and team perspectives?

Format

1,000 words limit

Submission Instructions

Submit your essay through the form below by Wednesday, July 29.

Award

Two winners will be awarded complimentary registration along with two complimentary nights at the 2027 AAST Annual Meeting. Winners will then have the opportunity to present their essay at the 2027 Networking Breakfast and be presented at the Business Meeting. Winning essays will also be published in Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open.

2026 AAST DEI Essay Contest Submission Form

E-mail Address ^* (required)

Provide your first and last name ^* (required)

Please select the essay prompt addressed by your submission ^* (required)

What responsibility do surgeons have in advancing equity within healthcare?

Describe an experience that shaped your understanding of bias, equity, or belonging.

In what ways can diverse perspectives strengthen clinical care and team perspectives?

Please Upload Your Essay ^* (required)

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