Exploring diversity and inclusion in surgery: Insights from the 2025 Dutch Surgical Society Symposium

Diversity and inclusion are increasingly recognized as critical components of effective surgical practice and team dynamics. Despite growing awareness, structural barriers continue to limit the entry and advancement of individuals from underrepresented groups in surgery. At the annual meeting of the Dutch Surgical Society in 2025, a dedicated symposium on diversity and inclusion was organized to explore the relevance, urgency, and potential impact of these topics in surgery. Drawing from lived experience, research evidence, and a multidisciplinary panel discussion, this event underscored the necessity of shifting from performative diversity toward meaningful inclusion. Key insights from the symposium and actionable strategies to foster sustainable change within surgical education and practice are discussed in this paper. Future directions would include concrete policy development by the Dutch Surgical Society to achieve sustainable change, incorporating these topics in national education programs and development of structured mentorship networks and facilitating a continuous open dialogue.