AO webinar looks at what makes workplace diversity initiatives successful

Benefits from creating a diverse and inclusive environment in an organization include improved productivity, enhanced communication and better organizational performance. This webinar will demonstrate how experience from both academia and industry can lead to the implementation of diversity initiatives that can benefit the AO.

In a series of interactive webinars targeting particular aspects of diversity and inclusion, mentorship and sponsorship, selected AO experts share their experience and answer your questions.

The first webinar, scheduled for May 19 from 15:00-16:15 CET, focuses on diversity initiatives in the workplace: evidence-based approaches and outcomes. Sign up here.

Amy Kapatkin (Moderator), Samantha Morello (Moderator), Matthew Allen (Moderator), Tatjana Topalovic (Host), Molly Carnes (Presenter) and Gabriela Rojas (Presenter) will present.

Learning objectives:
1.    Illustrate how the mere existence of group stereotypes leads to automatic cognitive biases that thwart efforts to diversify the scientific and medical workforce.
2.    Describe some strategies that when practiced at an individual level have shown long term pro-diversity institutional outcomes
3.    Demonstrate how to set up volunteer networks to promote diversity, inclusion and mentorship/sponsorship in an organization.
4.    Reflect on how inclusive practices can become a core component of innovation and enhance AO´s mission.

The panel bring their considerable expertise to this session, which promises to be an exciting and insightful kick-off for the series.

Molly Carnes is Virginia Valian professor of Medicine, Psychiatry and Industrial & Systems Engineering, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; Director of Center for Women’s Health Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, and Co-director of Women in Science and Engineering Leadership Institute (WISELI,) College of Engineering.

Gabriela Rojas is Vice-President Global Strategic Capabilities, DePuy Synthes, Johnson and Johnson; Women´s Leadership and Inclusion Global Steering Committee, Johnson and Johnson Enterprise; Global Office of Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board, Johnson and Johnson Enterprise.

AO diversity statement
The AO recognizes that a diverse and inclusive community of surgeons, operating room personnel, health care professionals, and researchers is of paramount importance in its mission of promoting excellence in patient care and outcomes. The AO will focus on recruiting staff, faculty, and leaders that represent the cornerstone of this diverse, global, network. The AO is committed to cultivating diverse leaders who are passionate about advancing its mission and enhancing its position as a world leader in education, research, innovation, and clinical practice. Find out more about diversity and inclusion at the AO.