Assessing Gender Diversity in American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship Leadership: A 2013 to 2022 Trend Analysis.

BACKGROUND

While there has been improved gender representation in dermatology, there remains areas for improvement, especially in leadership positions. Studies have evaluated diversity in various dermatology subspecialties, but evaluation of gender diversity in cosmetic dermatology is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the temporal trends in gender diversity within the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship Programs from 2013 to 2022. To discuss strategies for improvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ASDS Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship program directors and fellows were reviewed from 2013 to 2022. Gender was determined through online professional websites and biographies. The number and proportion of each gender was determined for each year, and the change over time was calculated.

RESULTS

The number of fellowship positions and program directors has increased from 2013 to 2022. Most of the fellows have been women. The average yearly rate of change for fellows is +1.67 and +0.67 for men and women. Most of the fellowship directors have been men. The average yearly rate of change is +1.56 and +0.44 for men and women.

CONCLUSION

Gender inequalities remain across leadership positions and further studies are necessary to better determine why these discrepancies exist and how to improve this inequality.