Sex Differences in Academic Rank and Publication Rate at Top-Ranked US Neurology Programs

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Academic Medicine
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Women remain underrepresented in academic neurology.
• The reasons for this gender disparity are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential sex-based differences in academic neurology.
• To compare the representation and publication output of men and women across faculty ranks in top-tier neurology programs.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional analysis of faculty at 29 top-ranked academic neurology programs was conducted.
• Data on sex, academic rank, publications, and leadership roles were collected from program websites.
• Statistical analyses compared male and female faculty representation and productivity, controlling for years since medical school graduation.

Main Results:

• Men comprised 69.2% of academic neurologists compared to 30.8% for women.
• Men outnumbered women at all faculty ranks, with the disparity widening at higher positions (e.g., 86.2% men vs. 13.8% women for full professors).
• Men had more publications than women across all ranks, but this difference decreased at senior levels. No significant sex differences were found in clinical activity, educational leadership, or book authorship.

Conclusions:

• Significant gender disparities exist in academic neurology, with men dominating higher faculty ranks.
• While men publish more, the publication gap narrows with advancing rank.
• Further research is needed to understand and address the factors contributing to women's underrepresentation in academic neurology.