Women in otolaryngology: closing the gender gap

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide a current and historical account of women in otolaryngology, including academic, leadership and subspecialty roles and to review all published studies specific to women in otolaryngology. RECENT FINDINGS: The only comprehensive survey of women in active practice in otolaryngology was conducted in 1998, when women comprised just over 6% of all practicing otolaryngologists in the United States. Women surveyed then had a higher divorce rate (P = 0.001) and fewer children (P < 0.001) and earned 15% less per year than men (values corrected for subspecialty and hours spent working). In a 2002 survey of otolaryngology residents, women were significantly less confident in their surgical skills and preparedness for postresidency practice (P = 0.05). Just 7 years later, in 2005 the number of practicing female otolaryngologists had more than tripled to over 2470 (24%). In 2003, 21% of entering residents were women up from 15.7% in 1993 and 8% in 1980. Of the 90 academic departments of otolaryngology on the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery website, two (2.2%) are currently headed by women. SUMMARY: The percentage of women in otolaryngology is rapidly rising and women now account for over 20% of the specialty. Data from earlier surveys, when women comprised a smaller segment of the specialty showed significant self-perceived differences by gender. Continual monitoring is required and is increasingly important, as women comprise an ever-increasing part of this specialty.