(A1012) Insights into the Gender Gap Among NIH-Funded Surgeon-Scientists

Monday, October 13, 2025

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT

Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

Presenting Author(s)

Janice Huang, M.S

MD/PhD Student
University of Miami
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Tonya S. Aaron, MD PhD

Resident
University of Miami
miami, Florida, United States

Co-Author(s)

ES

Eric Sokhn, N/A

University of Miami, United States
Garrett D. Forman

Medical Student
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Lake Mary, Florida, United States
LW

Lucienna M. Wolf, BS

Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, United States
NP

Nelson Perez-Catalan, BS

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, United States
TK

Taylor Kring

Medical Student
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Miami, Florida, United States
Christine T. Dinh, MD

Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Miami, Florida, United States
XL

Xue Zhong Liu, MD

Vice Chairman of Research of the Department of Otolaryngology
University of Miami
Miami, Florida, United States

Senior Author(s)

Elizabeth J. Franzmann, MD

Professor of Otolaryngology
Univ of Miami Dept of OTO D48
Miami, Florida, United States

Disclosure(s):

Janice Huang, M.S: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Tonya S. Aaron, MD PhD: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Garrett D. Forman: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Taylor Kring: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Christine T. Dinh, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Elizabeth J. Franzmann, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Introduction: Otolaryngology surgeon-scientists are critical for advancing research and clinical practice, yet women face persistent challenges, including disparities in academic rank, funding, family support services, and research output. This study aims to identify and address these barriers.

Methods: A survey targeting NIH-funded otolaryngologists (N=102), identified through NIH RePORTER and faculty websites, yielded 47 responses (46%), including data from 14 women. Responses from January 2025 were analyzed. Independent t-tests assessed differences in publication productivity and average ages at key career and family milestones. Chi-square analyses evaluated associations between funding types, sex, and disparities in career development factors.

Results: Of the 47 respondents, 15 were women (32%). Sixty percent of women and 65% of men were professors, though only 9 of 30 professors were women. Independent funding was achieved at similar ages (38.69 vs. 40.97 years), with no differences between MD and MD/PhD recipients. Women had fewer publications at all stages: undergraduate (1.2 vs. 1.7), medical school (2.3 vs. 4.5, p = 0.010), residency (7.0 vs. 9.9, p = 0.070), and fellowship (3.8 vs. 5.6). More women had their first child as attendings (40% vs. 19.4%), while more men did so during residency (53.13% vs. 26.67%). Women reported more institutional funding (73.33% vs. 28.13%, p = 0.009) and identified sponsorship as vital to career development more than men (80% vs. 25%, p = 0.0004). However, no significant differences were observed between the sexes in mentorship, allyship, or coaching.

Conclusions: Despite progress in reducing disparities, gender inequities persist in otolaryngology, particularly research productivity. These findings highlight persistent sex disparities in academic rank and research productivity among otolaryngology surgeon-scientists. However, the updated data suggests progress in reducing some gaps, particularly in achieving funding. Sponsorship, equitable funding, and initiatives that support work-life balance are critical to fostering an inclusive workforce.