Fulfilling the dreams of our ancestors: Building the Native American Surgical Society.

BACKGROUND

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals remain profoundly underrepresented in surgical specialties. No national organization has historically focused on AI/AN surgeons.

METHODS

The Native American Surgical Society (NASS) was established through community-driven engagements at the 2023 and 2024 Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) annual meetings using culturally grounded methods, including talking circles and consensus-based workgroups.

RESULTS

Participants spanned the surgical training continuum, representing 36 tribal affiliations and multiple specialties. Key outcomes included formal organizational establishment, development of mentorship infrastructure, and creation of national outreach initiatives.

CONCLUSIONS

NASS represents the first Indigenous-led national effort to support AI/AN surgeons. Sustained progress will require investment in mentorship, infrastructure, and policy aligned with tribal sovereignty to improve representation and surgical equity.