Inclusivity at surgical meetings: Can we do better through food?

Imagine this: You're at an academic conference and have just delivered an oral presentation. It's 1PM and the effects of your morning coffee and breakfast are wearing off. Your stomach growls while networking with attendees. An overhead announcement invites you to attend the open luncheon, only to realize that you can't eat the food provided because it's not Halal. You grab carrots and humus, and your colleagues ask why your plate is so empty. You have a few options here. Option 1: you tell them you only eat Halal food; this runs the risk of needing to explain what Halal food is, then receive a few apologies and a general statement about how the conference should be more inclusive, and to end the conversation you say you're totally fine and not hungry anyways.
Source: American Journal of Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: My Thoughts / My Surgical Practice Source Type: research