Unlocking the Power of Allyship and Belonging to Advance Health Equity

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This session, our fourth installment of a panel focusing on diversity and inclusion in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery, emphasizes the underappreciated role of belonging and allyship in promoting care equity. We highlight why belonging matters and trace the history of allyship, exploring the link to workforce diversity, patient health equity, and social justice. The speakers will answer questions such as, “What does it mean to be an ally?”, “How can we create a sense of belonging in otolaryngology?”, “How does ‘fitting in’ differ from belonging?", and “What tools are available?” Otolaryngology remains among the least diverse of medical specialties, and allyship has a critical role, complementing mentoring and sponsorship efforts. Allies advocate and work for the inclusion of historically marginalized or underrepresented individuals to overcome inequities. Allies lift others up by being an advocate, and promoting a sense of belonging, or speaking up for patients, learners, or colleagues. Advancing allyship and belonging in otolaryngology requires intentionality through confronting unconscious biases, promoting open dialogue, engaging in self-reflection, and critically assessing policies that perpetuate underrepresentation or structural inequity. We provide case-based examples of how to improve workforce diversity, promote innovation, and advance health equity. We also offer an "allyship toolbox" for immediate application and to support long-term diversity strategies, while distinguishing between authentic and performative allyship. We will invite participants to share their own experiences and to discuss challenges or ideas to accelerate change in their own space. Effective allyship and belonging are key for recruiting, retaining, and advancing underrepresented leaders. It requires active listening, learning, and seeking opportunities to foster equity through evidence-based, bias-mitigating tools and approaches. As otolaryngology strives toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion, unlocking the power of allyship is a catalyst for change.