Patients, learners, anesthesiologists and health care providers continue to experience inequities as a result of systemic and structural racism, sexism, homophobia, and all forms of discrimination; many of these can result in significant adverse mental health and other outcomes. As part of the commitment of the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d’anesthésie to promote and advance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion— including accessibility, neurodiversity, decolonization, mental health, and other social justice and advocacy initiatives within anesthesiology and critical care medicine, we are inviting submissions for a 2027 Special Issue dedicated to these topics. 

October 10 marked World Mental Health Day, and many of us have recently learned of unexpected deaths within the Canadian anesthesiology community. We do not remain untouched by suicide. We are frequently unaware of the difficulties that individuals face in their personal and professional lives and the ways in which they navigate stressors. As part of the Special Issue, the Journal explicitly welcomes material speaking to mental health, mental health support, structural and social determinants of mental health, and stigma around mental health. 

For this Special Issue, we welcome and plan to highlight reports of original investigation, systematic and narrative reviews, Reflections, editorials, and Special Articles as they relate to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as well as mental health in anesthesiology and critical care medicine. We welcome research from all paradigms and global perspectives. All submissions will undergo rigorous peer review.

Submit your paper 

Timeline: 

• Call for papers: October 1st, 2026, aligning with Global Diversity Awareness Month. Authors are kindly asked to indicate on their cover letter whether the submission is to be considered for the Special Issue.
• ​Submission deadline: April 1st, 2027 
• Publication date: December 10th, 2027, coinciding with Human Rights Day 

Guest Editor, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Dr. Gianni R. Lorello