AO Access—driving the AO's diversity, inclusion, and mentorship programs
What is AO Access?
AO Access is a visionary initiative for the organization’s commitment to becoming a diverse and inclusive organization with equal access and opportunity for all. This goal is to be achieved through the implementation of pro-diversity initiatives that have been rigorously evaluated and shown to be effective with interventions focusing on promoting equal participation, and engagement.
Vision
Be a diverse and inclusive organization with equitable access, and opportunity for advancement within the AO organization at all levels, regions, clinical specialties, and units.
Mission
Implement dedicated programs, policies, and organizational structures that reflect a diverse and inclusive global community of health care professionals including mentoring to make us the most productive, innovative, and sustainable leaning community for the benefit of our patients.
Diversity statement
The AO is an international network of surgeons specializing in the treatment of trauma and musculo-skeletal disorders.
The AO recognizes that a diverse and inclusive community of surgeons, operating room personnel, healthcare professionals and researchers is of paramount importance in its mission of promoting excellence in patient care and outcomes.
The AO actively recruits staff, faculty, and leaders that represent this diverse, global network. The AO is committed to cultivating diverse leaders that are passionate about advancing its mission and enhancing its position as a world leader in education, research, innovation, and clinical practice. Diversity statement (AOFB approved in Nov2019)
Goals
- Create a diverse, and inclusive organization with equal access, opportunity and progression for all.
- Using pro-diversity initiatives that have been rigorously evaluated and shown to be effective.
- Interventions focusing on changing people's perceptions of what is normal and what should be expected.
What do we mean by diversity and inclusion?
What does AO Access offer?
AO Access invites you to embark on a journey of personal and professional development within the field of surgery and healthcare. Explore a range of free resources and learning tools curated by leading experts, designed to promote talent based on competence and ensure equal opportunities for all. Dive into online learning modules, a mentorship program, inspiring narratives from role models in surgery, podcasts, and more, all aimed at fostering growth and excellence in your career in healthcare.
Mentorship
Mentorship is a critical component of making the AO more diverse and inclusive. AO Access offers a Mentoring Program to enhance inclusiveness toward different cultures, backgrounds, races, genders and more.
Breaking biases
Are you interested in expanding your knowledge beyond clinical skills to advance your career? Want to learn how to break your biases?
Join AO Access and participate in the Breaking Biases Pathway. Engage in self-directed, accredited online learning across clinical specialties and regions, moderated by AO leaders.
AO Access Liaisons
Explore what it means to be driving diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within your clinical specialty. Act as ambassadors after completing the Liaisons and Community Development Comission Members Pathway.
Access is limited exclusively to Community Development Commission members.
Podcast
AO Access to success podcast series: Broaden your perspectives for personal and professional development and explore dimensions of leadership with the AO Access podcast series. In each episode we invite experts to discuss different perspectives on challenges faced by medicine and the allied health professions.
Voices for change
"Voices for Change" is a collection of diverse narratives from people sharing their insights and experiences on topics such as leadership, mentorship, engagement with AO, overcoming barriers, role models, unconscious bias, and inclusion. You can also become an advocate for change by sharing your story and helping to create a culture where everyone feels welcome, respected, valued, and a sense of belonging.
Task force member recruitment
The success of AO Access is tied to engagement and self-nomination based on your commitment and expertise; we welcome your involvement. To become part of AO Access, please complete this survey.
Educational video content
Find educational videos of AO experts discussing topics such as leadership, mentorship, allyship, and cultural change (AO log-in required).
FacultyFocus
Read about all the achievements, changes, and updates related to AO Access in the FacultyFocus articles.
AO Access organizational structure
AO Access is led by the AO Access Steering Committee, supported by AO Access Management, and driven by three dedicated task forces, all working together to achieve the initiative's goals.