Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in New Zealand Orthopaedic Surgery

Description

In this presentation, Peter Robertson from New Zealand discusses critical themes related to diversity, equality, and inclusion in orthopedic surgery from a New Zealand perspective. He begins by addressing the low representation of women in the field and highlights the proactive efforts of the 'Ladies in Orthopedics New Zealand' (LIONZ) group in mentoring young female trainees. Moving on to equality, he emphasizes New Zealand's bicultural identity, characterized by the Treaty of Waitangi, which aimed to establish a partnership between the Maori and the Crown. Robertson acknowledges the ongoing disparities faced by Maori in health outcomes, socio-economic status, and access to healthcare, contrasting this with the dominant European perspectives that sometimes blame Maori for these issues. He contends that while there have been efforts by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to address these disparities through action plans focusing on Maori health, significant challenges such as reduced access to care persist. In discussing inclusion, he notes recent measures to combat bias within surgical training and emphasizes the importance of a respectful workplace culture. Concluding, he expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to present and extends good wishes for the ongoing conference.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210167

Specialties