From Enigma to Equity: Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Background: Promoting physician diversity is crucial for addressing health care disparities in the United States. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) constitute 5.7% of the United States population and 20% of physicians. However, their experiences in cardiothoracic surgery remain underexplored. This work examines historical context, representation, salary data, and AAPIs’ personal experiences elaborating on biases and misconceptions faced in academic cardiothoracic surgery. Methods: We conducted a literature review and analyzed representation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Data Resource Book (2022-2023) and salary data from the Association of American Medical Colleges Faculty Salary Reports (2021-2023). Results: AAPI trainees constitute 20.7% of thoracic surgery fellows and 25.7% of integrated thoracic surgery residents. AAPI faculty representation was 32.3% of assistant professors, 33.9% of associate professors, and 18.9% of professors. Salary analysis revealed disparities, with AAPI assistant professors earning significantly less than their White counterparts (90.2%; P =.018). Conclusions: Despite representation in the trainee and faculty cardiothoracic workforce, AAPIs face challenges in cultural biases and salary equity. Individual, institutional, and national efforts valuing diversity and equity of career opportunities in cardiothoracic surgery are needed.