UH Orthopaedics Explores Diversity Topics with Seminar Series

Pediatric Orthopaedic Update | Winter 2021

By Christine Hardesty, MD

As the world experiences rapid changes and we explore our relationships with others, all eyes have turned to the topics of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Orthopaedic surgery, as a specialty, continues to lag behind all other areas of medicine at attaining a diverse workforce. The Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Department of Orthopeadics took steps toward improving our DEI by holding panel discussions on diversity and gender in 2020.

The first panel, held on September 28, was led by resident Marsalis Brown MD and included program alumni Lutul Farrow MD, Mike Harris MD, Doug Dickson MD, and current faculty member George Ochenjele MD. 

On November 16, we welcomed back four of our distinguished alumni, Angela Smith MD, Laurel Blakemore MD, Carmelita Teeter MD, and Lorraine Stern MD for a panel led by myself.

The panel and audience discussed contemporary issues of racial and gender disparity and social justice. The need to attract more women and minorities to orthopaedics was explored, as well as how to help diversify the leadership of departments, committees, and societies. While the panelists shared some eye-opening stories about their training or life in practice, the forums focused on how we can enhance the Orthopaedics program at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, how we can improve the care we provide, and how we can continue to move our specialty forward.

These panels were engaging and successful and we look forward to more discussions on these topics in the future.