Warm and Welcoming: Is It What We Say or How We Say It?

Data-Driven Respectful Discourse in the Society of Surgical Oncology

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that professional forms of address in speaker introductions were inconsistently used at the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) 2018 and 2019 annual meetings, suggesting unconscious bias in speaker introductions. We sought to better understand how speakers would like to be introduced, and if guidelines could improve consistency in speaker introductions.

METHODS

SSO 2021 abstract submitters received a survey regarding demographics and preferred form of address at the meeting. Respectful discourse guidelines were developed and distributed to meeting moderators. Speaker introductions were reviewed for the 2021 SSO annual meeting and were compared with the 2018 and 2019 meetings.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 183/347 (53%) abstract submitters, most of whom (143/183, 78%) indicated preference for a professional form of address (Doctor/Professor) during speaker introductions, which was significantly greater than those who were introduced with a professional form of address during the 2018 and 2019 meetings (351/499, 70%; Chi-square = 4.08, p = 0.043). There was no difference in speaker introduction preference based on gender or race/ethnic identification. Respectful discourse guidelines were developed and distributed to meeting moderators. During the 2021 SSO annual meeting, professional forms of address were used for 104 (84%) speakers, significantly greater than during the 2018 and 2019 meetings (Chi-square = 9.23, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

More survey respondents preferred speaker introductions with a professional form of address than were used in prior meetings. This preference was similar across all demographic groups evaluated. Professional addresses during speaker introductions increased significantly after the distribution of guidelines encouraging consistency to decrease unconscious bias and promote an inclusive environment.