Gender and Racial Profile of the Academic Pediatric Faculty Workforce in the United States

Abstract

BackgroundEquity, diversity, and inclusion remain a challenge in the healthcare workforce. This study explored the current gender and racial/ethnic trends in academic pediatric positions across the United States. MethodologyThe pediatric faculty self-reported data by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) Faculty Roster from 2007 to 2020 were analyzed. The races were classified as White (non-Hispanic), Asian, Hispanic, Black (non-Hispanic), Multiple races (including both non-Hispanic and Hispanic), Others, and Unknown. Gender was categorized as male and female. ResultsThe results showed that Asian, Black (non-Hispanic), and Hispanic academic pediatricians increased in full professor, associate professor, and assistant professor positions and decreased in instructor positions from 2007 to 2020. Black (non-Hispanic) academic pediatricians relatively decreased 5.5% in chairperson positions. Women increased in full professor, associate professor, instructor, and chairperson positions; however, relatively decreased 1.8% in assistant professor positions. Men and White (non-Hispanic) academic pediatricians relatively decreased 10.5% and 16%, respectively, in all academic ranks. Women, Asian, Black (non-Hispanic), Hispanic, and Other races were underrepresented in tenured, on-track (tenureeligible), and not-on-track (tenure-eligible) positions. ConclusionsWomen and underrepresented minorities in medicine (URiM) physicians continue to remain significantly underrepresented in academic pediatric faculty positions and tenured track positions. There is a dire need to adapt multifaceted strategies to increase the engagement of women and URiM in academic pediatrics.

Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Composition Among Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Faculty Ranks

“…12 Another survey showed an increase in females in pediatric academic medicine in all academic categories except the assistant professor rank; however, only 14% of the females were tenured versus 35% of the males. 13 Our sample was similar, with the male NNP faculty identified as either full professor or associate professor. There were no males identified as assistant professor or CI.…”

“…There is evidence to suggest that many URM nursing faculty do not have a clear understanding of how to advance professionally in the academic setting and what is required for promotion. 13 Underrepresented minority nursing faculty frequently report lack of mentors to support them during career advancement. In a study examining nursing advancement, it was expressed that not having someone in leadership who looked like them proved a hardship for nurses with the desire to advance their career.…”

“…Previous evidence has hypothesized that settings with visible minority leaders helped negate the concern that racism or discrimination could contribute to inability to advance, but this was not proven in these authors' literature review. 13 Underrepresented minority faculty report the additional stress of often being the only representative for their minority group. 13,14 In previous studies, Black nursing faculty have indicated that they are often burdened and made to feel like the token Black person, without recognition that one person does not represent the entire Black population.…”

“…13 Underrepresented minority faculty report the additional stress of often being the only representative for their minority group. 13,14 In previous studies, Black nursing faculty have indicated that they are often burdened and made to feel like the token Black person, without recognition that one person does not represent the entire Black population. 15 Underrepresented minority faculty are often designated as diversity experts.…”

Description of the medical services provided to children in Shanghai: a cross-sectional study of the characteristics and disparities of hospitals of different levels and types

“…In 2020, only 2/3 of the hospitals had 24-hour fever clinics and fever outpatient observation rooms; however, as of February 2022, all of the hospitals had 24-hour fever clinics and fever outpatient observation rooms. It should be noted that there are relatively few male pediatricians in the city (28%), and the proportion of male pediatricians in Shanghai is far less than that in the United States (46%) ( 9 ). In addition, compared to those for the adult population, healthcare resources for children are still in short supply.…”