Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Our DEI Committee Members, mission, and scope of work

DEI Committee Members

Sharon Kiang, MD, FACS, FSVS, RPVI

Sharon Kiang, MD, Chair

Sherene Shalhub, MD

Elna Masuda, MD

Mission

The Mission of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for the Western Vascular Society is to promote an academically enriching and supportive climate that allows all members of the Society to thrive and succeed. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will collaborate with members to provide a comprehensive approach to diversity and inclusivity, access, and equity.

Through strategic planning and programmatic development the committee shall empower medical students, residents, fellows and members to build a diverse and inclusive society. The Chair of the committee shall be appointed by the President of the Society for a three-year term and shall sit on the Program committee to assist in review of abstracts submitted for presentation.

Scope of Work

  • Evaluate inequities in the vascular surgery career trajectory, from training to the workplace to vascular society engagement and leadership, such as those associated with gender, race, ethnicity, age and sexual orientation
  • Develop or review specific proposals for equity, diversity and inclusion projects that can be promulgated or implemented by the WVS and/or other collaborating partners
  • Assist WVS in developing an overarching strategy to increase awareness about inequities, including tools to encourage diversity in the specialty and support a diverse workforce with equal opportunities
  • Promote outcomes research regarding disparities in vascular surgery patients based on gender, race, ethnicity, age and or sexual orientation.

2025 WVS DEI Grant

The WVS Grant is an award of $10,000, offered to a WVS Active Member. It can be used for travel, hotel accommodations, and registration expenses to attend courses designed to enrich our WVS members in career development opportunities such as mentorship training, leadership training and/or for expenses related to a DEI-focused research project. All members are encouraged to apply. All awardees will share their experiences at the WVS Annual Meeting.

Apply Now

Videos

Health-Related Quality-of-Life Research in Under-Represented Older Adults
Cali Johnson, MD, University of Utah

Leading Diversity in the Workplace

DEI Symposium:
Exploring Healthcare Disparities

DEI Symposium:
Equal Pay for Equal Work

Contact Info

Western Vascular Society
1415 Commercial Ave., Ste. 257
Anacortes, WA 98221
Tel: 360-420-6906
Fax: 360-261-6077
heather@surgicalcs.com

About Us

Our mission is to promote education, research, advocacy and leadership in the art and science of compassionate vascular health in the Western United States, Canada, and the Pacific Rim.

Learn More

Annual Meeting

Join us for the 40th Western Vascular Society Annual Meeting at the Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, CA from September 14-17, 2025.

Learn More