SOAP Diversity & Inclusivity

Diversity

Diversity & Inclusivity Statement
Adopted January 29, 2021

SOAP is committed to diversity and inclusivity throughout our organization. We acknowledge that there are historical and ongoing structural inequities in our world. SOAP rejects discriminatory policies and behaviors in all forms.

More diverse organizations outperform their peers. By striving to achieve diversity within SOAP, our members will be better positioned to serve diverse patient populations and improve pregnancy-related outcomes.

Diversity is any dimension that can differentiate groups and people from one another, including but not limited to differences based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socio-economic status and geographical origin. A diverse organization creates a culture where the values of inclusion, respect and appreciation are reinforced. Inclusivity provides equitable access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.

2023 SOAP AM High School VisitSOAP is committed to:

  • Assessing the degree of diversity and inclusivity within our organization, which may guide ongoing initiatives.
  • Creating an environment where all members have an equal opportunity to succeed and to be heard.
  • Supporting scholarship, research and education that address inequities in peripartum care.
  • Sharing resources for individuals and institutions to promote diversity and inclusivity.
  • Establishing partnerships and supporting policies that address racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related outcomes.

ASA Recommendations:
Reducing Maternal Peripartum Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Anesthesia Care

In October 2021, the ASA House of Delegates approved recommendations for Reducing Maternal Peripartum Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Anesthesia Care. The recommendations emerged from the work of the ASA Committee on Obstetric Anesthesia, chaired by Dr. Mark Zakowski.


SOAP Diversity and Inclusivity AwardDiversity and Inclusivity Award

The SOAP Diversity and Inclusivity Award recognizes outstanding obstetric anesthesiologists who have acted to address racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes and made significant contributions to increasing diversity and inclusivity of the anesthesiology workforce through their scholarship, mentorship and leadership. 

2024 SOAP Diversity & Inclusivity Award:

Congratulations to the 2023 SOAP Diversity & Inclusivity Award recipient, Dr. Feyce Peralta!

Past Diversity & Inclusivity Award Recipients


Townhall Meeting on Diversity and Inclusivity

At the February 25, 2021, Townhall Meeting on Diversity and Inclusivity, a diverse panel of SOAP members shared their insights as SOAP debuted its Diversity & Inclusivity Statement. Our sincere thanks to Cynthia Wong, MD; J. Franklin Hatchett, Jr., MD; C. LaToya Mason, MD, FASA; Cesar Padilla, MD; and Nwadiogo Ejiogu, MD, MA, and our moderators Allison Lee, MD, MS, and Ruthie Landau, MD.