Gender Equity in Membership, Leadership, and Award Recognition in the Wilderness Medical Society

Abstract

Introduction-Despite near gender parity for women entering medical careers, women remain underrepresented in medical societies. This study evaluated the gender distribution associated with Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) activities.Methods-A retrospective review was performed on the gender breakdown of the following WMS members: a single-day 2020 snapshot, conference attendees 2012 through 2020, conference presenters from winter 2017 through winter 2021, and leadership and awards data from 1984 through 2021. Genderize.io was used to generate probability-based gender categorizations (male/female) based on first names or pronoun associations.Results-Gender was assigned in 91% (4043/4461) of 2020 WMS members, 92% (6179/6720) of 2012-2020 conference attendees, and 100% of remaining categories. Women represented 28% (1143/ 4043) of members, 27% (1679/6179) of conference attendees, 31% (143/465) of all conference presenters, 20% (62/303) of mainstage presenters, 23% (17/75) of all board members, 38% (14/37) of committee chairs, and 10% (2/20) of board presidents. Women received 18% (42/228) of recognition awards and 31% (15/48) of research grants issued.Conclusions-Although women comprise a minority of WMS participants, gender distribution was similar across categories for membership, conference presenters, total board positions, and research grant awards. Relative underrepresentation was seen in the highest leadership levels, in recognition awards, and in mainstage presenters. Ongoing auditing may help to identify and address sources of bias and/or barriers to participation. Although it is only one of many components of equity, identifying successes and future opportunities for gender balance can strengthen the base of the WMS, promote growth, and ensure a strong leadership pipeline.

Gender Distribution Associated With the Journal Wilderness & Environmental Medicine

“…The percentage of female authors in 2019 (24%) was slightly lower than the percentage of female WMS members in 2020 (28%). 21 WMS membership is an imperfect benchmark, however, because it is not a prerequisite for publishing in WEM. Data are lacking on the number of women practicing wilderness medicine and/or conducting wilderness medicine research.…”

The Year in Review

“…In September 2022 Keyes and Schlein looked inward and examined gender equity and opportunity within both the WMS and WEM. 1,2 Similar to others 3,4 who have studied patterns of authorship and opportunity, these authors and their colleagues provided additional evidence of an imbalance in contributions to journals and membership and advancement in a medical society. While a new equilibrium is inevitable—more women than men matriculate to medical school—WEM has embraced the call to action and has taken steps to add more balance and perspectives to the editorial board.…”