Eliminating systemic racism is an urgent need and every person and organization has an important role to play. SSO’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board, chaired by Monica Morrow, MD, has been developing plans to examine issues within surgical oncology and to highlight diversity within the Society. On June 9, 2020, the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board along with the SSO Executive Committee issued a statement on Racism, Diversity and Cancer Care. To follow through on this proclamation, the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board has set into motion the necessary steps to meet its goal of providing opportunities to underrepresented communities to increase equity in the field and to develop a leadership pipeline through mentorship.
The first initiative by the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board will be an interactive webinar on November 16, 2020. The webinar will focus on cancer treatment disparities and disparities within the surgical oncology professional community. Additional details are forthcoming, along with registration information. Please watch your inbox or Twitter for updates.
SSO’s Mentor Match Program, a new module within My SSO Community, is also available to all members. This program was developed through efforts by the Membership Committee, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board and Fellows and Young Attendings Subcommittee. This program is an informal way to connect with others and receive guidance on issues that are relevant including career and professional development, situational guidance and other topics that are personally defined between the mentor and mentee. To become a mentor or to find a mentor, visit My SSO Community. After login, click on the “Engage in Mentorship” button on the navigation bar.