Unlocking the Power of Allyship to Advance Health Equity

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Allyship has a long, distinguished history in promoting social justice and mitigating inequity, but it has received little attention in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery. This session is the third annual installment of a series covering foundational themes of diversity and inclusion. The panel traces the history of allyship, defines core concepts, and considers practical application. The speakers will answer questions such as, “What does it mean to be an ally?”, “What does an ally do?”, and “What are the tools of allyship?” Otolaryngology remains among the least diverse of medical specialties, and allyship can thus play 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 can lift others up by being an advocate, and allies promote a sense of belonging by speaking up for patients, learners, and colleagues. Allyship in otolaryngology entails confronting unconscious biases, promoting open dialogue, engaging in self-reflection, and critically assessing policies that perpetuate underrepresentation. We provide examples of how allyship in otolaryngology can improve workforce diversity, promote scientific innovation, and advance overall health equity. The session includes an "allyship toolbox" designed for in-the-moment interventions and for championing health equity efforts with a longer horizon. The speakers will differentiate authentic allyship from performative allyship or saviorism. Participants are invited to share their own experiences and to discuss ideas to accelerate change in their own space. Allyship is crucial for promoting recruitment, retention, and advancement of underrepresented leaders. Being an effective ally means listening, learning, and actively looking for opportunities to champion equity. The session covers evidence-based tools to mitigate bias and reveals how unlocking the power of allyship can catalyze change as otolaryngology works toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Describe what it means to be an ally, what an ally can do, and how allyship can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in otolaryngology.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Explain the history of allyship and why allyship matters for otolaryngology, drawing on evidence from education, scientific innovation, and clinical practice.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Learn to respond as an ally, whether addressing a discrete micro-agressions in the moment or addressing longstanding structural inequities.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Allyship is a powerful but underutilized strategy to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This session covers the history and key concepts, including nuanced considerations and pitfalls of performative allyship and saviorism, which all-too-often trip of well-meaning colleagues.