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.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: To analyze the experiences and challenges faced by surgeons and trainees in OHNS across LMICs and HICs, highlighting how these barriers vary at different stages of professional development.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: To identify systemic and cultural barriers that hinder gender equity in the OHNS workforce globally and to discuss how these barriers uniquely affect medical students, residents, and attending physicians.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: To propose evidence-based strategies and practical solutions for bridging the gender gap in academic otolaryngology, tailored to the needs and experiences of individuals at different career stages.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: More women are joining OHNS, but face career barriers. A diverse panel will discuss gender equity, career stage challenges, and strategies to improve conditions.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement : This panel addresses critical gender disparities in OHNS, highlighting underrepresentation in leadership and providing strategies to enhance equity across professional stages globally, essential for the field's evolution.