Who Cares about Diversity? Trends in Gender and Racial Authorship and Publications in Plastic Surgery over Time

Abstract

Background: The literature in scientific journals represents current standards for plastic surgery (PS) and new observations contributed by leaders in the field. Observations of these trends over time define our progress and document our ever-changing specialty. This study aims to assess the racial/ethnic and gender makeup of authors who have published on the topic of diversity in PS, and to define trends over time, as well as geographic and journal representation of these publications. Methods: Existing published literature was queried through PubMed with the search terms “plastic surgery” AND “diversity” from 2008 to 2021. The race/ethnicity and gender of collated authors were adjudicated using NamSor software. Trends over time regarding quantity and topics covered, as well as gender and race of authors of these publications, were identified. Results: A total of 208 papers were identified with our search strategy; 74 met inclusion criteria, representing 398 authors. White‚ non-Hispanic authors represented the majority of first authors (45%) and the majority of senior authors (54%). Black/African American authors comprised 18% first authors and 19% senior authors. Male authorship predominated, with 58% of first authorship and 64% of senior authorship. Conclusions: Publications on the topic of diversity have increased in recent years. Trends show a significant shift in authorship, with prevalence of white male contributions rising. Women constitute most authors on the topic of gender diversity. These findings provide important insight into who cares about diversity within our specialty and who shapes its future.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Plastic Surgery

“…Authors evaluating the gender and race of plastic surgeons did not contact the surgeons to obtain this information. Surnames were studied to determine race 22,60,78,92,125 . Photographs available online were reviewed 22,47,60,78–80,92,114,120,123,125 .…”

“…147 Many publications advocated minority-focused financial support to underrepresented minorities, in the form of scholarships, clerkships, funded subinternships, funded research fellowships, subsidized travel and lodging, and grants. 37,55,72,78,80,94,101,102,105,113,115,124 Increasing diversity content in patient photographs and Web sites was a frequent theme.…”

“…Surnames were studied to determine race. 22,60,78,92,125 Photographs available online were reviewed. 22,47,60,[78][79][80]92,114,120,123,125 A judgment was made regarding gender and race based on these photographs.…”

Beyond the Operating Room: Exploring Gender Bias in Leadership Positions in German Plastic Surgery

“…The reasons for this phenomenon are not limited to traditional gender congruity, confidence gap, family demands, discrimination, bias, lack of role models, pregnancy, and weak recruitment of medical students into plastic surgery. 10,14,23,31–33…”

“…The reasons for this phenomenon are not limited to traditional gender congruity, confidence gap, family demands, discrimination, bias, lack of role models, pregnancy, and weak recruitment of medical students into plastic surgery. 10,14,23,[31][32][33] Germany has made efforts to alleviate the burden of childbearing on women by implementing policies such as mandatory maternity leave of 12 weeks before and after childbirth and generous paternal leave of up to 24 months, during which an 80% salary is maintained. 3,34 This regulation is considered more accommodating compared with the 6 weeks of maternity leave during residency training in the United States.…”