March 2022 DIHE Column Recap | Ana Tergas, MD, and Nita Lee, MD

Nita Lee, MD

Ana Tergas, MD

“This is Our Lane” the monthly Diversity, Inclusion, and Health Equity (DIHE) column in SGO Issues, was founded in 2020 to highlight the experiences of SGO members and create a forum to explore pressing issues of racism, sexism, representation and efforts to promote health equity for our patients with gynecologic cancers. We recognize the complexity of tackling these issues but remain committed to creating a forum to promote awareness and open dialogue.

The column supported by the SGO DIHE Committee, has become a vehicle to maintain the momentum of the current collective antiracism and health equity movements and to amplify Black, Brown, LGBTQI, Asian-American, and other underrepresented voices in our specialty. In the past year, we have diligently worked to invite column contributors, curate column topics based on emerging social justice issues, and worked with contributors to develop their column to best share their message to the membership. We have been impressed by the range of topics we have begun to explore and grateful for the generosity of many authors to share their often-personal stories and perspectives.

Past topics include personal experiences regarding transgender issues, diversity in clinical trials, anti-Asian racism and violence, Medicaid-related disparities, and social justice. Each month the DIHE column has had an impressive open rate of over 42% and we implore more SGO members to take the time to read our colleagues opinions. Authors have ranged those who are practicing attendings, fellows, residents and allied health partners reflecting the diversity of SGO members and how these issues affect all of us. We are happy to start 2022 with inclusion of patient voices and perspectives as well to add to the richness of our understanding.

The diverse voices of the SGO community are highlighted through first-person articles using 500 – 700 words to share their unique perspectives on a diversity and inclusion or health equity issue. We hope you will continue to read this column and feel inspired and motivated to continue the dialogue with colleagues, patients and trainees. SGO is also grateful that the 2020 and 2021 editions of the column were sponsored by an unrestricted grant from GSK.

Previous articles specifically addressing diversity, inclusion, and health equity can be found on the SGO Blog website page. If you would like to write for this column or recommend a contributor, please complete this submission request to have your diverse perspective heard.

Our best wishes,

Ana Tergas, MD
Nita Lee, MD
Subcommittee Chairs/Editors of the Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity Column:

Dr. Nita Lee is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Chicago and Fellowship Program Director in Gynecologic Oncology. She serves as the Assistant Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Lee’s interests include patient centered research in cancer survivorship, supportive oncology and cancer disparities.

Dr. Ana Tergas is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Surgery, and the Division on Health Equity in the Department of Population Science at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, CA, and an Affiliate Member of the Weill Cornell Medicine, Center for Research on End-of-Life Care.

This column is sponsored by an unrestricted grant from GSK. Sponsorship excludes editorial input. Content developed by the SGO Diversity, Inclusion & Health Equity Committee.