Plastic Surgery Diversity through the Decade: Where We Stand and How We Can Improve

Abstract

Background: Several studies over the past decade have investigated diversity within the field of plastic surgery, yet it remains unclear if an increase has resulted. This study sought to review the status of diversity within plastic surgery over the last decade and form strategies for residency programs to increase diversity recruitment. Methods: Data analysis of racial demographics from the Association of American Medical Colleges databases was completed for all medical students, integrated plastic surgery residency applicants, integrated plastic surgery residents, and academic faculty from 2010 to 2020. Proportional averages were analyzed comparing 5 year durations with heteroscedastic t-tests. Interviews were then conducted with medical school diversity and inclusion officers across the country and subsequent thematic analysis was completed. Finally, diversity recruitment recommendations were synthesized from interview data. Results: There was no significant change in demographics of integrated plastic surgery applicants between 2010–2014 and 2015–2020. The only significant finding among integrated plastic surgery residents yielded a reduction in the “Hispanic/ Latino” group (4% -3%, P = 0.01). Faculty data showed an increase in “Hispanic/ Latino” (4% -5%, P < 0.01) and “other” (4% -5%, P = 0.02) groups with a reduction in “White” faculty members (74% -70%, P < 0.01). Final recommendations for diversity recruitment were then formed from diversity and inclusion officer interviews. Conclusions: Continuous and sustainable work with respect to diversity and inclusion within plastic surgery has an opportunity for growth. Implementation of key recommendations by residency programs can change the face of our specialty going forward.

Ethnic and Sex Diversity in Academic Plastic Surgery: A Cross-sectional Study

“…Several studies have looked at racial and ethnic diversity among residency applications to plastic surgery programs and have found that Black and Hispanic applicants are severely underrepresented in plastic surgery residency programs despite many applying. 7,14,15 A few studies have also examined representation within academic plastic surgery by examining faculty composition, rank and research output, determining that women and minorities were underrepresented and had less research productivity. 9,16 These findings are consistent with the "leaky pipeline" phenomenon, where women and underrepresented minorities are not as highly represented in competitive specialties.…”

“…Although strides have been made in some medical specialties toward realizing this goal, plastic surgery has remained relatively stagnant over the last 40 years. 7,8 In a recent meta-analysis focusing on representation in faculty and leadership positions in plastic surgery, Chawla et al discuss the importance of mentorship and sponsorship for women and underrepresented minority students in plastic surgery. 9 The purpose of this study is to expand on these findings and discuss racial, ethnic, and sex diversity in the academic and professional realms.…”

Gender and Racial Representation of Invited Speakers From The Aesthetic Society Annual Meetings Over a 5-Year Period

“…A cademic plastic surgery continues to be a field overrepresented by men and those belonging to a Caucasian ethnicity. [1][2][3] Although women have constituted approximately 50% of medical school graduates over the last decade, less than 20% of academic plastic surgeon faculty and 10% of full professors or department chiefs are women. 1,[4][5][6][7][8][9] This has been described as the "leaky pipeline effect," in which there are fewer proportions of women as you move up the academic ladder.…”

“…1,8 This phenomenon also applies to ethnicities underrepresented in medicine, facing similar difficulties in attrition and academic promotion in plastic surgery. 2,3,8,10 African Americans and Hispanic or Latino Americans each make up less than 5% of plastic surgery residents and faculty in the United States, with no significant increases in representation over the last decade. 3,10,11 Diversifying the field of academic plastic surgery can provide immeasurable benefits to a healthcare system with long-standing gender and racial disparities.…”

“…2,3,[12][13][14][15][16] More diverse teams of physicians demonstrate better patient outcomes and superior patient-rated clinical care, whereas physicians of a non-White ethnicity are more likely to address existing health disparities and attend to the underserved community. 2,3,[14][15][16] One method to analyze the current state of diversity in a specialty is to look at who is chosen to present at scientific meetings. 17 Plastic surgery meetings are important platforms for surgical subspecialties to showcase research discoveries by means of presentations and educational seminars.…”