ECTSS JEDI Committee

ECTSS Statement on Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

On behalf of the ECTSS, its Executive Council and its membership, the ECTSS Committee on Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion wishes to emphasize the organization�s commitment to supporting the development of a diverse and inclusive cardiothoracic surgery workforce. We believe firmly that increasing representation of individuals with diverse backgrounds in cardiothoracic surgery advances our profession, reduces health care disparities, and improves outcomes and access to health for all communities.

We encourage you to explore our programs and meetings upholding this commitment, including the President�s Message published by Immediate Past President and first female President of the ECTSS Dr. Sharon Ben-Or, invited Keynote Address at the 2020 Annual Meeting entitled �Equal is Equal: Cardiothoracic Surgery in the Next Century,� by past AATS President Dr. Marc Moon and the annual Eric J. Lehr Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship honoring past ECTSS President Dr. Eric Lehr.

As keynote speaker at the ECTSS inaugural Leadership Academy before the 58th annual meeting of the ECTSS in 2020, we were honored to have Dr. Robert Higgins provide experience and evidence-based insight and education on leadership. A brilliant and thoughtful leader with achievements at all levels of program, institution and organization advancement, he is a true giant in CT surgery, and we are thrilled to highlight him as part of the ECTSS JEDI Committee celebration of Black History Month.

To quote Dr. Higgins: �In addition to the obvious challenges we are facing in healthcare, including the pandemic, workforce and funding shortages, urban gun violence, and police brutality, racial disparities have limited access to equal care for under-represented minorities from my father�s time until now. I am hopeful that the next generation of medical and surgical leaders in this organization will step up and make a difference. We must recruit and nurture healthcare providers who resemble those most deeply affected by healthcare disparities.�

Dr. Higgins credits his widowed mother and maternal grandparents for their sacrifices and standards that supported his and his brothers� rigorous scholastic and career pursuits. Dr. Higgins is not only making history with his accomplishments, innovation and mentorship, but also helping shape a better future for our specialty and patients.

To celebrate Black History Month, the ECTSS JEDI committee would like to highlight Black leaders in CT surgery with profiles of outstanding surgeons. This week, we are honored to feature UNC Chief of Thoracic Surgery Dr. Ben Haithcock.

�What I most admire about Dr. Ben Haithcock is how he leads by example- he is humble, thoughtful and generous with his time to help colleagues. His hard work as Program Chair was a major driver of the success of the 60th Annual Meeting of the ECTSS. His patients adore him; his colleagues respect him; add to that a man who has competed in many Ironman triathlons and rounds with the dogs he trains, and you have an exceptional human being. I feel lucky to work with this leader in CT surgery!� � Andrea Wolf, MD, JEDI Committee Chair

ECTSS JEDI Committee

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