The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and Arya Akhavan, MD, have formed a committee for its LGBTQIA+ members and residents: the PRIDE Forum.
"When I was applying to plastic surgery residencies, I didn't personally see any LGBTQIA+ representation among plastic surgery leadership, and I was advised to not mention my sexual orientation when applying," said Dr. Akhavan, plastic surgery resident. "That was odd for me, given the work we do for transgender and gender-nonbinary patients; I would have expected to see more support and presence."
He isn't the first doctor to have been warned about disclosing his sexual orientation before a residency interview, and he won't be the last, notes the ASPS; but, he did see an opportunity to open up a larger dialogue about diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Akhavan proposed an idea for the Society to form a committee for its LGBTQIA+ members and residents—an idea that quickly gained traction with leadership and has now resulted in the creation of the PRIDE Forum.
Read more at MedEsthetics >>