Women in academic surgery over the last four decades

Abstract

Objective As the number of female medical students and surgical residents increases, the increasing number of female academic surgeons has been disproportionate. The purpose of this brief report is to evaluate the AAMC data from 1969 to 2018 to compare the level of female academic faculty representation for surgical specialties over the past four decades. Design The number of women as a percentage of the total surgeons per year were recorded for each year from 1969–2018, the most recent year available. Descriptive statistics were performed. Poisson regression examined the percentage of women in each field as the outcome of interest with the year and specialty (using general surgery as a reference) as two predictor variables. Setting Data from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). Participants All full-time academic faculty physicians in the specialties of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), general surgery, ophthalmology, otolaryngology (ENT), plastic surgery, plastic surgery, urology, neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery and cardiothoracic surgery as per AAMC records. Results The percentage of women in surgery for all specialties evaluated increased from 1969 to 2018 (OR 1.04, p<0.001). Compared with general surgery, the rate of yearly percentage change increased more slowly in neurosurgery (OR 0.84; P = .004), orthopaedic surgery (OR 0.82; P = .002), urology (OR 0.59; P < .001), and cardiothoracic surgery (OR 0.38; P < .001). There was no significant difference in the rate of yearly percentage change for plastic surgery (OR 1.01; P = .840). The rate of yearly percentage change increased more rapidly in OB/GYN (OR 2.86; P < .001), ophthalmology (OR 1.79; P < .001) and ENT (OR 1.70; P < .001). Conclusions Representation of women in academic surgery is increasing overall but is increasing more slowly in orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery and urology compared with that in general surgery. These data may be used to inform and further the discussion of how mentorship and sponsorship of female students and trainees interested in surgical careers may improve gender equity in the future.

Gender of Award Recipients in Major Ophthalmology Societies

“…2,3 Prior research has shown an increase in the number of women presenting at conferences, 4 publishing in ophthalmology journals, 5 and working in academic centers. 6 Despite these positive trends, women ophthalmologists are underrepresented at senior academic ranks, 7 editorial board positions, 5 and compensation. 8 Potential disparities in recipients of society awards have yet to be investigated in ophthalmology.…”

Regional Population-Based Workforce Shortages in General Surgery by Practicing Surgeon and Resident Trainee

“…Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge the underrepresentation of women in what is historically considered a maledominated field when discussing possible ways to expand the GS workforce. 45,46 Additional GS should promote inclusion among various demographic groups to expand and diversify the field. 47,48 Lastly, greater investigation and public disclosure of state-wide efforts aimed at increasing the number of GS residency positions in states which are experiencing a decrease in practicing physicians including Puerto Rico, Maryland, New Jersey, Michigan, and Tennessee, may allow the identification of efforts which are proving to be successful in addressing the shortage of general surgeons which may be adopted by in-need states as well.…”

Letter to the Editor. Gender equity in academic neurosurgery: the fight must go on

“…1 In a brief report that evaluated the Association of American Medical Colleges data from 1969 to 2018 to compare the level of female academic faculty representation for surgical specialties over the past 4 decades, it was found that the percentage of women in surgery for all specialties increased (OR 1.04, p < 0.001), but compared with general surgery, the yearly rate of percentage change increased more slowly in neurosurgery (OR 0.84, p = 0.004). 2 The authors comment that the barriers associated with a lower rate of women in surgical specialties are gender stereotyping, lack of female mentors in surgery, and perceived poor work-life balance due to the fact that surgical specialties require a less flexible schedule that involves a greater amount of time. 2 This is a situation that could explain the fact that female neurosurgeons have less participation in first and senior authorship, because of the great responsibility that requires.…”

“…2 The authors comment that the barriers associated with a lower rate of women in surgical specialties are gender stereotyping, lack of female mentors in surgery, and perceived poor work-life balance due to the fact that surgical specialties require a less flexible schedule that involves a greater amount of time. 2 This is a situation that could explain the fact that female neurosurgeons have less participation in first and senior authorship, because of the great responsibility that requires.…”

“…Ariana Alejandra Chacón-Aponte, MS 1 Erika Andrea Durán-Vargas, MS 1 Ivan David Lozada-Martínez, MS [2][3][4] Yelson Alejandro Picón-Jaimes, MD 2 Luis Rafael Moscote-Salazar, MD…”