Influence of Women Leadership on Gender Diversity in OHNS Residency

Introduction: Women represent approximately 36% of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) residents and faculty. Multiple studies have demonstrated a smaller proportion of female leaders as academic rank increases. We aim to examine the current gender composition of academic OHNS residency programs in the United States and investigate the impact of female leadership on the proportion of female faculty and residents.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. OHNS residency programs were identified using the Electronic Residency Application Service 2023 Participating Specialties and Programs website. The following data was collected from each residency program website: gender of associated medical school dean, gender of department chair, gender of residency program director, and total number and gender of fellowship directors, faculty, and residents. Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fischer’s Exact Test were used to analyze relationships between the number of women in leadership positions and the proportion of female faculty and residents.

Results: One hundred and twenty-three academic residency programs were identified. Females accounted for 42%, 27%, and 8% of current residents, residency program directors, and department chairs respectively. Department chair gender was significantly correlated with number of female faculty (p=0.01) Any female in a leadership position was correlated with a statistically significant increase in median percent female faculty (p=0.006).

Conclusions: Female representation in any OHNS leadership position was correlated with an increase in female faculty. Further understanding of how female mentorship promotes gender equity is necessary to promote female representation in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.