Sex Differences in Faculty Positions Among Top‐Ranked US Otolaryngology Departments

Abstract

Objective This study aims to characterize the top-ranked departments in otolaryngology to provide an indicator of the state of diversity within otolaryngology and to draw a comparison with other medical and surgical fields. Study Design This cross-sectional study examined the 20 highest-ranked otolaryngology programs according to the US News & World Report ranking of best hospitals for ear, nose and throat. Setting Academic otolaryngology departments in the United States. Methods Faculty demographic and biographical data were collected from departmental websites. The Web of Science h-index was used as a surrogate for academic productivity. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were used to characterize the cohort and compare otolaryngology with other fields. Results Of 562 otolaryngologists on faculty at the 20 highest-ranked programs, 413 (73.5%) were men and 149 (26.5%) were women. Among the faculty in the cohort, 174 (31.0%) were professors, 145 (25.8%) were associate professors, and 183 (32.6%) were assistant professors. Across faculty appointments, the proportion of women grew smaller as academic rank increased. When compared with all faculty across US medical schools, the departments in this study had significantly lower proportions of female professors ( P = .0047), associate professors ( P = .0009), and assistant professors ( P = .0005). Male faculty members had higher h-indices than their female counterparts among professors ( P = .004), associate professors ( P = .008), assistant professors ( P = .0002), and clinical assistant professors ( P = .0009). Conclusion Women are underrepresented across all academic ranks in top-ranked otolaryngology programs. The current state of diversity in otolaryngology yields many opportunities to advance representation for women in the field.

Microaggressions in European versus American Workplace Environments of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery

“…Specific to otolaryngology, a Canadian study revealed that female OTO‐HNS reported verbal and nonverbal sexual harassment more frequently compared with their male colleagues 21 . Pereira reported that females were underrepresented across all academic ranks in top‐rated U.S. otolaryngology programs, which unquestionably exacerbates these conditions 6 . These studies should motivate our medical community to invest in diversity initiatives and support the growing number of female physicians and surgeons worldwide.…”

“…4,5 The Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery is predominantly comprised of White and male members, with underrepresentation of females and non-White practitioners in academic positions. 6 Moreover, recent data from the United States reported that Otolaryngology ranks last in its efforts to increase the number of African diaspora and Latin individuals. 7 Microaggressions are defined as "the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership."…”

“…Within the medical community, the surgical field is commonly seen as having a conservative culture and the surgical subspecialty of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery remains an example 4,5 . The Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery is predominantly comprised of White and male members, with underrepresentation of females and non‐White practitioners in academic positions 6 . Moreover, recent data from the United States reported that Otolaryngology ranks last in its efforts to increase the number of African diaspora and Latin individuals 7 …”

Workplace Environment Microaggressions in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: An International Survey

“…The dissonance prompts questions about how diverse, inclusive, and welcoming the specialty is. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26] Certainly, data from the United States consistently show that least 60% of Otolaryngology workforce is white. 22,27,28 Correspondingly, neither African-Americans nor Latinos have ever been more than 10% of the workforce despite both groups occupying a higher percentage of the US population.…”

Association of Virtual Away Rotations With Residency Applicant Outcomes in Otolaryngology

“…Applicant‐reported data from the 2018 to 2020 match years in otolaryngology suggest an average spending of about $2437 for away rotations per applicant over the course of an application cycle 5 . Addressing the cost burden of away rotations could improve the pathway for URiM applicants in otolaryngology, which has significant race‐ and sex‐based disparities in resident selection and faculty promotion 6‐9 …”