This article was published in the October issue of Vascular Specialist.
The Society for Vascular Surgery’s (SVS) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee continues to make strides in advancing inclusivity within the organization, with several projects underway to address both ongoing challenges and new opportunities.
The DEI Committee has seen considerable progress since its inception, following the transition from a task force to a standing committee. DEI Committee Chair Rana Afifi, MD, outlined upcoming initiatives, emphasizing the importance of education and representation in fostering a more inclusive environment.
Afifi noted that a comprehensive report evaluating SVS’s progress in DEI efforts has updated the committee's work. While highlighting positive strides, the report also underscores areas where work remains. “There has been great progress, but there is still much work to do,” she said. The upcoming report will celebrate accomplishments and identify challenges the committee aims to tackle moving forward.
One key area of focus is enhancing inclusivity within the committee itself. Afifi explained that while the committee has tried diversifying its membership, specific demographics remain underrepresented.
One of the committee’s major upcoming initiatives is an educational campaign designed to broaden understanding of DEI issues, not only in terms of race and ethnicity, but also factors like neurodiversity, ageism cultural humility, allyship and other topics to help foster a more inclusive, equitable and diverse everyday practice. The campaign will feature 20 microlearning modules based on storytelling and practical, everyday scenarios. “Education is key,” Afifi emphasized. “Much of the sensitivity and resistance around DEI comes from misinformation and a lack of understanding.”
The first of these modules is expected to be piloted within the next two months, with full rollout anticipated within the year. Afifi expressed hope that these educational materials will facilitate more open and constructive conversations around DEI, moving away from the tense or sensitive nature that can often surround such discussions.
“The goal is not just to improve awareness but to make DEI an integral part of daily practice and patient care within the vascular surgery community,” Afifi said.
In addition to educational outreach, the DEI Committee is preparing for the third annual DEI Summit, scheduled for December. Although not yet open to the public, the summit aims to engage a broad range of vascular societies, both regional and international, in a unified effort to address DEI challenges. Afifi emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that the committee works closely with other SVS committees, such as the Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM) Committee, to ensure that DEI principles are integrated across various organizational efforts.
"We are working in collaboration with other committees to ensure that DEI is not just a checklist but has actual impact and results," Afifi said. The DEI Committee has also actively supported SVS members working on DEI-related projects, offering guidance and assistance in publishing articles and developing educational resources.
One key challenge the DEI Committee identified is improving racial and ethnic diversity within SVS membership. While the organization has seen a slight increase in diversity in recent years, Afifi acknowledged that this positive progress is not enough.
"We need to be intentional about increasing diversity within the SVS, especially in leadership roles," said Afifi. The committee has been working closely with the Appointments and Nominations Committee to ensure that diverse candidates are considered for leadership positions, but more needs to be done to ensure equitable opportunities are available for underrepresented groups.
“we need to create a safe and equitable environment,” Afifi pointed out. The committee is actively reaching out to affinity societies and exploring ways to remove barriers that may be preventing members from joining the society .
As chair, Afifi has set several ambitious goals for her term, with education and increased representation at the forefront. She hopes that the new educational campaign will help dispel misconceptions about DEI and make it a more approachable and less contentious topic within the SVS.
"I’m not naive to think we can solve everything, but I do hope we can move the needle and make some real progress," said Afifi.
In addition to educational efforts, the committee is focused on fostering collaboration between the various SVS sections. The committee actively seeks ways to ensure that all sections are included in DEI discussions, possibly by appointing permanent liaisons from the different sections.
With a series of educational projects, summits and collaborative efforts in the pipeline, the Afifi assures that the DEI Committee will continue working to make vascular surgery a more inclusive and equitable field.