IODA Charter

The International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance (IODA) is a collaboration established by orthopaedic surgeons in leadership, advocating for the inclusion of women and minorities who are under-represented in orthopaedic surgery. IODA, a not-for-profit organization incorporated in the US with ~1,500 international members and >10,000 social media followers. The Board of Directors represents orthopaedic surgeons and trainees around the globe and the membership includes many national Orthopaedic Association Presidents.

 

The IODA Charter

The IODA Charter is a call to action to commit to diversity in orthopaedics and has been signed by more than 23 international orthopaedic associations. Diverse organisations attract the top talent, are more innovative and make better decisions. The orthopaedic literature increasingly demonstrates that the lack of diversity in orthopaedics contributes to inequity in healthcare delivery. A more diverse orthopaedic workforce is a priority for equity in healthcare.

 

The IODA Vision: A global orthopaedic culture in which everyone can thrive

IODA Board Members are promoting diversity globally at many symposia:

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  • Argentinian Orthopaedic Association (AAOT)
  • Australian Orthopaedic Association
  • British Orthopaedic Association
  • Canadian Orthopaedic Association
  • Danish Orthopaedic Association
  • College of Surgeons of East, Central & South Africa (COSECSA)
  • EFORT
  • Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • ISAKOS
  • Italian Orthopaedic Association (SIOT)
  • Philippine Board of Orthopaedics (PBO)
  • SICOT
  • South African Orthopaedic Association
  • Tunisian Orthopaedic Association (SOTCOT)

 

IODA’s strategy includes:

  • DEI education for the orthopaedic community – via conference symposia, webinars & IODA’s extensive online resources.
  • Targeting the leadership of Orthopaedic Associations to establish Diversity Strategies with deliverable outcomes via the IODA Charter.
  • Empowering and networking existing orthopaedic diversity organisations.
  • Engaging/mentoring/supporting diverse medical students and junior doctors into the field of orthopaedics – via IODA’s Mentoring Initiative – a Mentorship Program is currently being developed.
  • Promoting diversity across IODA’s social media platforms.
  • Developing a financially sustainable organisation, exploring grant opportunities and strategic partnerships.
  • Providing scholarship opportunities to orthopaedic trainees, surgeons and aspiring medical students who are female or from underrepresented minorities in orthopaedics.