Assessing the recognition of female orthopaedic surgeons in Castle Connolly's "America's Top Doctors" from 2000 to 2020

Gender distribution of Top Doctors in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery

INTRODUCTION

Our study seeks to understand the profiles of otolaryngologists selected by Castle Connolly's Top Doctor list and how this compares to the entire field of otolaryngology.

METHODS

Top Doctor lists published in Castle Connolly affiliated magazines were analyzed for Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology/Facial Plastic Surgery, or Pediatric Otolaryngology physicians. Only lists published in 2021 or representing the 2021 Top Doctor lists were analyzed. Of the total 39 partnered magazines, 27 met our criteria. Information on the physician was analyzed from the Castle Connolly website and included: gender, education, faculty position, years as a Top Doctor, and certifications of each physician.

RESULTS

879 doctors, 742 (84%) men and 137 women (16%), were included in our analysis. 509 physicians completed a fellowship, 85 (62%) women and 424 (57%) men. The fellowship type varied significantly between gender (p = .002). 122 (14%) Top Doctors completed facial and plastic reconstructive surgery and 111 (91%) were men. Of the women Top Doctors completing a fellowship, 29 (34%) completed a fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology. A logistic regression found that men have an increased odds of being on the Top Doctors list for more years than females (OR: 1.36, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

The percentage of women named as Top Doctors was less than the proportion of women in otolaryngology. This may be attributed to gender differences we found in fellowship type and certification. Further research into the role of otolaryngology subspecialties in selection of Top Doctors is needed to better understand gender differences.

Female representation in orthopedic surgery: where do we stand in Belgium ?

Female underrepresentation in Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology is a well-known issue worldwide, including in Belgium. Most of the literature comes from northern America. This two-part study aims to quantify the female workforce in orthopedic surgery in Belgium and assess the presence of unconscious biases among active orthopedic surgeons. Epidemiological data from national registries, orthopedic societies and universities in Belgium were analyzed. This included data on medical students, residents, active orthopedic surgeons and awards given by a Belgian orthopedic society. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to Belgian orthopedic surgeons, assessing their perceptions of gender stereotypes and potential unconscious biases. 90 participants responded with 70% of men and mean age was 36 years old. The data revealed that 12% of active orthopedic surgeons in Belgium were women in 2020. However, the representation f women was higher among residents, with a thirty percent distribution. In one university, women had a slightly higher chance of getting accepted in the orthopedic training then men. The questionnaire results indicated the presence of unconscious bias regarding subspecialties, which aligned with the actual distribution. Women tend to specialize more in upper limb surgery and pediatrics while men focus more frequently on lower limb surgery. The findings highlight the need for addressing the underrepresentation of women in orthopedic surgery and traumatology in Belgium. If the current rate of progress continues, it is projected that 30% of active orthopedic surgeons will be female by the year 2074. Identifying and addressing factors contributing to the underrepresentation, such as lack of mentorship, unconscious biases, visibility issues, and discrimination, is crucial for empowering future female orthopedic surgeons and fostering diversity in the field. Collaboration among European universities and orthopedic societies can play a vital role in reducing barriers and promoting gender equality in orthopedic surgery and traumatology.