Event Calendar

Being a Beacon: Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusivity within the Health Professions and Beyond
2026-02-23 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Harold C. Smith Presentation Room, Stitzer Welcome Center at Judd Gymnasia
Presented by David Shapiro, MD, MHCM, FACS, FCCM
Trauma Surgeon, Physician Executive, and Educator
Join us for a meaningful presentation by David Shapiro, MD, MHCM, FACS, FCCM, a thought leader in trauma, injury prevention, and in advocacy, who also helps to lead LGBT2SQI+ inclusion in the health professions and beyond. Upon his entrance to the medical field, Shapiro recognized that it was neither a diverse nor a welcoming place for providers or patients. Stereotypes and tradition were impediments to him – an aspiring surgeon who was also empowered to not hide his membership in the gay community. He made a commitment to self: in addition to advancing his surgical career and the care of injured people, he was also going to advocate for his own community within the health professions and professional schools.
In the ensuing decades, Shapiro has become a national leader in the campaign for inclusion within the health sciences. In this realm, he introduced the concept of the beacon to the milieu of mentorship and sponsorship within the health professions. This event will focus on his experience as a breaker of barriers, opener of doors, but also as a beacon to let folks know the path. Attendees will learn how emerging professionals can become beacons in their chosen fields.
A question-and-answer session will follow the lecture.
David S. Shapiro is a well-known trauma surgeon, physician executive, and educator. He was the chief medical officer and vice president for medical affairs at a Level I urban trauma center and is a leader within multiple organizations. Shapiro was the founding advisory chair of the Association of Out Surgeons and Allies, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ surgeons and trainees to pursue their careers and engage allies. He currently is the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma chair for the state of Connecticut, served as president of the American College of Surgeons Connecticut chapter, and was the Society of Critical Care Medicine Northeast chapter president. He spent seven years as the editor‑in‑chief of Connecticut Medicine. He has also published a book, titled After the ICU, a multiprofessional perspective on recovery from critical illness.
This event, co-sponsored by the Social Work and Social Justice Club and the Honors Program, is free and open to the Springfield College community and the public.
If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Andrew Schoolnik at aschoolnik@springfield.edu by February 12 to discuss your accessibility needs.
