Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty

Abstract

Background: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has adopted the strategic goal of evolving its culture and governance to become more strategic, innovative, and diverse. Given the charge to increase diversity, a focus on assessing and increasing diversity at the faculty level may help this cause. However, an analysis of gender and racial diversity among orthopaedic faculty has not been performed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate faculty appointments for underrepresented minority (URM) and female orthopaedic surgeons. We also aim to draw comparisons between orthopaedic surgery and other specialties. Methods: Data on gender, race, and faculty rank (clinical instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor) of academic faculty for 18 specialties from 1997 to 2017 were obtained from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Faculty Roster. Assistant professors were designated as junior faculty, whereas associate professor and professor were considered senior faculty. URMs were defined using the AAMC definition—groups having lower representation than in the general population. Regression analysis was used to evaluate and compare the change over time and to compare the change across different specialties. Results: Over the 20-year study period, the number of female faculty increased (8.8% pts) but represents a lower proportion than other specialties (13.9% pts) (p = 0.029). Female orthopaedic senior faculty grew slower (7.3% pts) than other specialties (14.7% pts) (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the growth of URM faculty positions (2.0% pts) compared with all other specialties (2.4% pts) (p = 0.165). The proportion of orthopaedic URM senior faculty increased less (0.5% pts) than other specialties (2.5% pts) (p < 0.001), whereas more orthopaedic URM junior faculty were added than other specialties (2.2% pts) (p = 0.012). Conclusions: Although orthopaedic surgery has increased the representation of female and URM faculty members, it continues to lag behind other specialties. In addition, fewer female and URM orthopaedic faculty members obtained senior faculty status than other specialties. To address the differences seen in faculty diversity, a concerted effort should be made to recruit and promote more diverse faculty, given similar qualifications and capabilities. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level IV .

Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship Directors: Trends in Demographics, Education, Employment, and Institutional Familiarity

“…A study by Bi et al of orthopedic residency programs revealed that as of 2020, there were only 3 female chairs, accounting for only 2% of all chairs [8]. Similarly, looking at advanced positions within orthopedic surgery, Shah et al found that as of 2017, orthopedic surgery had the lowest representation of women in senior or junior faculty positions [36]. Although the overall percentage of women of women in faculty positions increased from 8.51% in 1997 to 17.87% in 2017, the majority of women held junior positions (instructor or assistant professor) [36].…”

“…Similarly, looking at advanced positions within orthopedic surgery, Shah et al found that as of 2017, orthopedic surgery had the lowest representation of women in senior or junior faculty positions [36]. Although the overall percentage of women of women in faculty positions increased from 8.51% in 1997 to 17.87% in 2017, the majority of women held junior positions (instructor or assistant professor) [36]. Meanwhile, other surgical specialties such general surgery and otolaryngology have increased female faculty representation by 13% or more over 20 years [36].…”

“…While the limited racial and ethnic diversity in orthopedic leadership may reflect the low diversity of the field itself, lower rates of promotion may also play a role. A study by Shah et al revealed that while underrepresented minorities (URM) in faculty positions increased from 4.0 to 6.1%, the majority of URM held junior faculty positions not senior roles [36]. With respect to fellowship trained physicians, there is reason for cautious optimism.…”

“…Although the overall percentage of women of women in faculty positions increased from 8.51% in 1997 to 17.87% in 2017, the majority of women held junior positions (instructor or assistant professor) [36]. Meanwhile, other surgical specialties such general surgery and otolaryngology have increased female faculty representation by 13% or more over 20 years [36].…”

The unique impact of COVID-19 on orthopedic surgery residency applicants and program directors in Canada

“…4 This could be problematic for a field already criticized for a lack of racial and gender diversity. 5 Both applicants and programs may feel unfairly represented in virtual interviews. 6 Thus, programs may struggle to balance their mandates of ensuring social accountability and encouraging diversity.…”