AAST's 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.
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AAST Sponsored Essay Winners

The AAST Diversity Essay Contest invites medical students, residents, and fellows to share their perspectives on acute care surgery through a 1,000-word essay responding to one of two prompts. Hosted by the AAST Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee in collaboration with the Associate Member Council, this initiative is designed to amplify emerging voices, highlight lived experiences, and foster inclusion and opportunity within trauma and acute care surgery.

Each year, selected winning and runner-up essays are published in Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open (TSACO), offering thoughtful reflections on career paths, equity, service, mentorship, and the evolving identity of the specialty. Explore the essays below to read firsthand perspectives from future leaders shaping the field.

Click Here to Read the Winning Essays in TSACO

 View Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Articles in The Cutting Edge

Explore articles from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee featured in The Cutting Edge, AAST’s official member newsletter. The Cutting Edge highlighting member news, committee updates, leadership messages, and thought leadership across trauma and acute care surgery. Read the latest issue →

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01 Mar 2026

March 2026 Cutting Edge Newsletter

Step into spring with fresh perspectives in the March edition of The Cutting Edge, featuring leadership updates and timely insights on prevention, disaster preparedness, equity and wellness, geriatrics, and palliative trauma in the evolving practice of trauma and acute care surgery.

Cutting Edge Newsletter
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01 Nov 2024

November 2024 Cutting Edge Newsletter

This edition of The Cutting Edge highlights the power of advocacy, mentorship, and research in trauma and acute care surgery. Explore timely reflections, new pediatric findings, inspiring diversity essays, and the impact of AAST scholarships—all shaping the future of our field.

Cutting Edge Newsletter
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01 Sep 2024

September 2024 Cutting Edge Newsletter

This edition recaps the 2024 AAST Annual Meeting and World Trauma Congress, celebrated leadership transitions, and highlighted key initiatives in research, diversity, education, and patient care. From program successes to REF milestones, it reflected the impact and momentum of the AAST community.

Cutting Edge Newsletter
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01 Aug 2024

August 2024 Cutting Edge Newsletter

From Olympic inspiration to surgical excellence—relive the summer edition of The Cutting Edge. Highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at the AAST Annual Meeting, ways to engage with REF, and powerful reflections on leadership, resilience, and care.

Cutting Edge Newsletter

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