Academic and Gender Differences Among U.S. Otolaryngology Board Members

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the representation of women in leadership positions within otolaryngology societies and to compare their academic rank and research productivity to men. Methods: The leadership positions of all U.S. otolaryngology societies were compiled. The Medicare Physician Compare database was used to obtain gender and medical school graduation year for all otolaryngologists. An online search was used to determine board member's academic faculty rank. The Scopus database was used to determine an individual's number of publications, citations, and h-index. All websites were accessed from July 2019 to October 2019. Results: Of the 200 leadership positions, there were 160 unique individuals available for analysis. Of those, 23% were female. In comparison, 18% of all otolaryngologists in the United States are female. The average medical school graduation year was significantly more recent for female leaders (1997 vs. 1990, P < .001) than males, which is similar to all otolaryngologists (2001 vs. 1993, P < .001). Stratifying by gender alone, women averaged significantly fewer publications, citations, and h-indices compared to men (P < .05), and were also less likely to be professors (P < .01). When considering both gender and graduation year, significant differences among academic productivity were only noted for those graduating between 1990 to 1999. Among all board members who graduated after 2000, women comprised a majority of those in leadership positions (52%). Conclusion: Leadership positions in otolaryngology societies reflect the changing demographic of otolaryngologists in the United States. There is proportionate representation, and the more recently graduated female physicians show the same research productivity as their male counterparts.

Recent Laryngology Fellowship Graduates: Where Are They Now?

“…1 Currently, women are underrepresented as chairs, vice chairs, and program directors in otolaryngology and research productivity is also higher for men. [8][9][10] In our study, no statistical difference was noted in the liklihood that men or women would enter academic practice after laryngology fellowship. Despite this, the fact that a relatively high percentage of female otolaryngology graduates pursues a fellowship in laryngology may signify that laryngology is a portal through which many women can enter into academic practice.…”

Otolaryngology Department and Society Leadership: Evaluation of Diversity in a Nationwide Study

“…Our results indicate that women hold 12 out of 117 professor positions and nine out of 115 chair positions. Gender disparity in publication productivity was also seen in a study conducted by Hill et al in 2020 24 . The difference in h‐index could be due to women holding fewer leadership positions in general with further stratification as the ranks progress.…”

“…Gender disparity in publication productivity was also seen in a study conducted by Hill et al in 2020. 24 The difference in h-index could be due to women holding fewer leadership positions in general with further stratification as the ranks progress. For example, only 8% of department chairs and chiefs are women while 38% of assistant and associate residency program directors are women.…”

Women in academic surgery over the last four decades

“…Additionally, women in ophthalmology may have increased numbers of visible role models and available mentors as studies have shown the percentage of women on journal editoral boards and professional society boards are at least in line with the percentage of women in the field as a whole [12]. There is similar gender parity present in the leadership positions of ENT societies relative to the percentage of practicing female ENT surgeons [13]. The development of robust and active mentorship programs for students and residents may be helping to relieve pipeline issues [14].…”