1State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
2Valley Consortium for Medical Education, Modesto, CA, USA
3Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, NY, USA
4A.T Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Mesa, AZ, USA
5Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, USA
6NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
7Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, USA
American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine.
2025,
Vol. 13 No. 2, 15-22
DOI: 10.12691/ajmsm-13-2-1
Copyright © 2025 Science and Education PublishingCite this paper: Anjali Malhotra MPH, Laura Palma MS, Janae Rasmussen DO, Elena Myalo BS, Vivian Liang BS, Melody Wang MS, Thelma Jimenez Mosquea MD, Julia Hanna MMS. Navigating the Intersection of Identity and Mental Health: A Literature Review of Non-White Women in Orthopedic Surgery.
American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine. 2025; 13(2):15-22. doi: 10.12691/ajmsm-13-2-1.
Correspondence to: Laura Palma MS, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA. Email:
lnpalma70@gmail.comAbstract
Non-white women in orthopedic surgery face various challenges at the intersection of identity and mental health. Underrepresentation and systemic barriers can lead to increased rates of stress, lower sense of belonging, and lower confidence in an individual’s perception of success in orthopedics. This literature review explores the impact of these factors on mental health, professional advancement, and patient care. Our analysis of the current literature identifies unique challenges that non-white women orthopedic surgeons face and highlights the further need for systematic changes. Addressing issues that negatively impact diversity, equity, and inclusion within orthopedics, particularly for non-white women, is critical for addressing interventions and policy reform measures, to ultimately improve the well-being of both orthopedic surgeons and their patients.
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