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 wider 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 divisions, 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.
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.
Why is AO Access needed?
Underrepresentation of various gender, racial, and socioeconomic identities is evident throughout the AO organization. The AO recognizes that a diverse and inclusive community is crucial to its mission of promoting excellence in patient care and outcomes. As a global leader in clinical education and research, the AO must better reflect the concerns, perspectives, and aspirations of young health care professionals and the patients we serve. Enhancing access, removing barriers, and fostering a culture of inclusivity, mentorship, and support are essential for attracting and retaining top talent in our educational programs.
What do we mean by diversity and inclusion?
What does AO Access offer?
AO Access invites you to join on a journey toward cultivating an inclusive and diverse environment, promoting equal access for all. Let's co-create change together, guided by people with expertise and passion.We offer various free online learning modules called our AO Access Journey, a successful mentorship program, a podcast series about different AO Access-related topics, our "Voices for Change" series where people share their unique stories, and much more.
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Mentorship
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, and genders.
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Unconscious bias / Breaking biases
Unconscious bias / 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, social, and contextual learning across various clinical specialties and regions. Inspire and support AO's global community to achieve new levels of excellence and fulfill both personal and professional aspirations. -
Ambassadors
Ambassadors
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.
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Podcast
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
"Voices for Change" is a collection of diverse narratives from people sharing their insights and experiences on AO Access-related topics. These topics include 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
Task force member recruitment
The success of AO Access is tied on engagement and self-nomination. We welcome your involvement. To become part of AO Access, please complete this short survey.
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Video material
Video material / AO Access on AO Video Hub
Find educational videos of AO experts discussing topics such as leadership, mentorship, allyship, and cultural change (AO log-in required).
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FacultyFocus
FacultyFocus
Read about all the achievements, changes, and updates related to AO Access in the FacultyFocus articles.
Engage with us
- Voices for change: Become an advocate for change and, by sharing your story, help create a culture and climate where everyone feels welcome, safe, respected, and valued.
- Task force member recruitment: The success of AO Access is tied on engagement and self-nomination. We welcome your involvement. To become part of AO Access, please complete this short survey.
AO Access news
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May 10, 2024Voices for change: Celebrating diversity within the AO
My AO Access journey: Jaime Quintero
