Characterizing gender trends in head and neck fellowship graduates from 2008 to 2018

Objectives: Evaluation of potential gender gaps among Head and Neck (H&N) surgeons can highlight areas for increased support of female H&N surgeons and improve gender diversity within the subspecialty. To evaluate gender trends in representation and career trajectory among recent H&N surgery fellowship graduates.

Methods: This cross-sectional analysis included graduates from Head and Neck Surgery fellowships accredited by the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) from 2008 to 2018. Additional demographic data was collected via publicly available websites including gender, years in practice, practice location, type of practice, h-index, and academic rank. The primary outcomes were the proportion of female Head and Neck fellowship graduates and gender trends in career trajectory and academic productivity (via h-index).

Results: Between 2008 and 2018, 449 surgeons graduated from Head and Neck surgery fellowship with females comprising 99 of 449 graduates (22%). Female representation increased from 1 of 30 (3%) graduates in 2008 to 17 of 52 (33%) in 2018. A proportionally similar number of women graduating fellowship also practiced in an academic setting (23%). There were fewer female assistant, associate and full professors compared with their male counterparts. Women had lower h-indices compared with men even when controlling for years in practice (mean 11.4 vs. 8.2, p < 0.03).

Conclusion: Despite the increase in women graduating from H&N surgery fellowships, gender disparities within academic rank and academic productivity as measured by h-index remain. While a proportional number of women completing fellowship are entering academic practice, additional investigation and support is needed to address the potential gender gaps identified within academic H&N surgery.