Leading from Behind: Paucity of gender equity statements and policies among professional surgical societies

Background The availability and utility of public statements and policies on gender equity from professional surgical societies has not been studied.Results Publicly available statements/policies were published in every surgical society, though few pertained specifically to gender. Nearly all were recently written or revised. The most common statement/policy addressed discrimination and harassment. The only policies/statements that reliably contained all four key components pertained to professional conduct at national meetings. All policies that provided consequences also contained specific reporting processes.Conclusions Gender equity statements and policies are deficient among professional surgical societies. Prioritization of publicizing statements/policies that describe the challenges and provide potential solutions to well-documented gender inequities within surgical fields allows professional societies to promote a diverse and equitable workforce.@@@@Highlights oFeatures available gender equity statements in professional surgical societies.oEvaluates gender equity statements/policies for relevant and impactful content.oOutlines the need to broaden gender equity statements/policies to impact change.oSuggests modifications to current statements for greater uptake and accountability.