Dermatology Journals’ Editorial Boards Require Improved Gender Equity: JMIR Dermatology’s Future Directions

Abstract

Gender disparities exist across all facets of academic medicine including within the editorial boards of dermatology journals. Only 22% of these editorial boards comprised women, even though 51% of full-time, faculty dermatologists are female. When inviting academic dermatologists to our editorial board at JMIR Dermatology, we invited 50% women to represent the gender distribution of academic dermatologists; however, we have not sufficiently reached gender equity among accepted editorial board members. We will continue to strive toward the goal of gender equity on our editorial board and invite other dermatology journals to do the same.

Gender Parity Analysis of the Editorial Boards of Influential Dermatology Journals: Cross-Sectional Study

“…Clear commitments and mission statements from journals could assist with formalizing processes and bolstering transparency. JMIR Dermatology has now invited >50% women dermatologists to its editorial board [ 6 ]. If the journal’s goals are not ultimately reached, conducting investigations into the reasons underlying lower acceptances among applications from women will be important [ 6 ].…”

“…JMIR Dermatology has now invited >50% women dermatologists to its editorial board [ 6 ]. If the journal’s goals are not ultimately reached, conducting investigations into the reasons underlying lower acceptances among applications from women will be important [ 6 ]. Given current data trends, proactive strategies such as these are urgently needed to recruit, promote, and retain women dermatologists in academic settings.…”