Neuro- and cognitive diversity in surgery and allied professions: celebrating difference and optimising performance

Chris R Bowman; Wyn G Lewis

doi:10.1093/postmj/qgad050

Neuro- and cognitive diversity in surgery and allied professions: celebrating difference and optimising performance

Postgrad Med J. 2023 Oct 19;99(1177):1133-1135. doi: 10.1093/postmj/qgad050.

Authors

Chris R Bowman¹, Wyn G Lewis^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ School of Surgery, Health Education and Improvement Wales, Nantgarw, CF15 7QQ, United Kingdom.
² Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, United Kingdom.

PMID: 37399058
DOI: 10.1093/postmj/qgad050

Abstract

Neurotypicality (NT) and neurodiversity (ND) are two terms used to describe separate ways of thinking and experiencing the world. The prevalence of ND within surgery and allied professions is poorly studied or understood but is likely to be significant and increasing. If our aim is to be truly inclusive, ND's effects on teams and our willingness and ability to adapt adequately must improve.

Keywords: Anaesthesia; Leadership; Surgery; Training.