Women in otolaryngology: closing the gender gap

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.

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.

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.