Disparities in Surgery and Obligations to Correct, Harvard Surgical Ethics Conference
Channel: HMS Center for Bioethics
Date: 2022-06-28

Health care disparities, including differences in access and outcomes due to factors such as race and ethnicity, are well documented across multiple surgical procedures. These disparities in surgical care are caused by social determinants of health rooted in slavery and structural racism. Approaches to mitigating these disparities and our moral obligations to reduce surgical disparities will be discussed. This session will also examine the ways in which the principle of justice is competing with that of patient autonomy and reflect on potential pitfalls and benefits.

For reference articles submitted by panelists, please visit: https://bioethics.hms.harvard.edu/events/harvard-surgical-ethics-conference

During this session: Douglas W. Hanto, MD, PhD, MBE explored the "Disparities in the Care of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and People of Color (BILPOC)." Theresa Williamson, MD examined "Racism and Bias in Surgical Training." Piroska Katalin Kopar, MD, FACS discussed "How We Can Achieve Social Justice in Health Care and Surgery." Theresa Williamson, MD moderated the session.