Our Efforts to Create a Welcoming Surgical Residency for LGBTQ Trainees

Abstract

Objective: To provide a more welcoming environment for LGBTQ residents.

Design: This paper is based upon the authors experience creating a training program welcoming to LGBTQ residents.

Setting: University General Surgery Training Program.

Participants: Surgical Residents and Surgical Faculty.

Results: Over a 9 year period, our residency has made intentional efforts to welcome LGBTQ applicants and support LGBTQ residents. We now have a residency in which over 25% of our residents identify as LGBTQ.

Conclusions: We see opportunities for other residencies to signal to applicants and trainees that they are welcome and celebrated for who they are.

Keywords: LGBTQ; Surgery Residency; diversity; inclusion.