Advancing Gender Equity in Otolaryngology: Challenges and Opportunities Across Career Stages

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Over the past several decades, the representation of women in medicine has steadily increased, particularly in medical school matriculants, residency programs, and leadership roles. Since 2017, women have outnumbered men in medical school matriculants, and by 2021, 47.3% of residents in AAMC-accredited specialty programs were female. Similarly, in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS), female residents have grown from 27.5% to 36.5% between 2008 and 2017. Despite this upward trend, gender disparities persist. In 2021, only 18.9% of active otolaryngologists in the United States were women, highlighting a significant underrepresentation in a specialty with an otherwise growing pool of female trainees.
This disparity is even more pronounced in leadership positions, where women occupy a small fraction of professorial and chair roles. Furthermore, in low—and middle-income countries (LMICs), structural and cultural barriers compound gender inequities in OHNS. As more women pursue academic otolaryngology careers, the field must adapt to address these disparities and foster an environment that promotes gender equity.
This panel features medical students, residents, and attending physicians at various career stages. It provides a comprehensive view of the challenges encountered and opportunities available at different stages of professional development. These diverse perspectives enrich the discussion by highlighting the unique barriers faced at each stage and strategies that can be implemented at both individual and institutional levels. Through personal narratives and data-driven insights, panelists will provide actionable recommendations for bridging the gender gap and advancing equity in OHNS globally.