Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

MSC Statement of Commitment to DEI

The ASA Medical Student Component (MSC) values diversity and inclusion as an important tool for patient empowerment and justice. We are committed to increasing the representation of individuals from groups underrepresented in anesthesiology and ensuring that future Anesthesiologists have the tools to care for patients from diverse backgrounds. The addition of a DEI Liaison to the ASA Medical Student Component Governing Council leadership in October 2021 and the inception of a DEI Working Group in 2022 were propelled by the statistics on underrepresentation in anesthesiology as a specialty and by the disparities minority individuals face while seeking equitable healthcare. Our efforts have been focused on building a pipeline for a diverse anesthesiology workforce through advocacy, educational outlets, and collaboration with other DEI organizations across medical schools.

Meet the 2023-2024 ASA Medical Student Component DEI Working Group

Tell us - a story, memory or photo that captures your experiences as URM in the field of anesthesia. This can include anecdotes about working with patients that belong to similar cultural backgrounds, your view on how diversity and inclusion have shaped your professional development, and or photos that showcase mentor-mentee pairings or DEI events. 

DEI Toolkit

• MSC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Key Terms
• Anesthesiology DEI Literature

Resources

• The Leaky Pipeline: How Are We Addressing This Problem? (AUA article)
• Leaders in DEI video series
• Visiting Rotation in Anesthesiology funding opportunities for URM students
• Recording and Q&A summary of the Faces of Anesthesiology panel session with Harriet Hopf, MD, FASA, Kimberley Nichols, MD, FASA, Travis Reece-Nguyen, MD, MPH, FAAP at ANESTHESIOLOGY^® 2022
• Physician on Fire - Student Loan Repayment Resources for BIPOC Physicians delves into the hurdles that BIPOC graduates face in the medical field, basic student loan and debt principles to give graduates excellent foundational knowledge to begin paying down debt, as well as strategies to pay down debt and begin to build wealth. 
• Organizations that support underrepresented groups and promote DEI
  • American Medical Women’s Association
  • Association of Native American Medical Students
  • Building the Next Generation of Academic Physicians
  • Evelyn Henley Anesthesia Society 
  • Latino Medical Student Association 
  • Medical Student Pride Alliance
  • National Hispanic Medical Association 
  • National Medical Association 
  • Raising Anesthesiology Diversity & Anti-Racism (RADAR)
  • Student National Medical Association
  • Women in Anesthesiology