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Published on: January 19, 2022
Gender distribution of Top Doctors in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery
Lauren A DiNardo1, Alyssa D Reese1, Maya Raghavan1
1Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America.
Insights
Fewer women otolaryngologists are recognized as Top Doctors compared to their representation in the field, potentially due to differing fellowship choices and certifications. Further research is needed to explore these gender disparities.
Area of Science:
- Medical Specialties
- Physician Recognition
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Castle Connolly's Top Doctor list is a recognized physician honor.
- Otolaryngology is a surgical subspecialty of medicine.
- Understanding physician selection criteria is important for professional equity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographic and professional profiles of otolaryngologists on the 2021 Castle Connolly Top Doctor list.
- To compare the representation of women otolaryngologists on the list to the overall field.
- To investigate potential factors contributing to gender disparities in Top Doctor recognition.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Castle Connolly Top Doctor lists from 2021 for otolaryngology specialists.
- Data collection included physician gender, education, faculty position, years as a Top Doctor, and certifications.
- Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was used to identify significant differences.
Main Results:
- 879 otolaryngologists were analyzed: 84% men and 16% women.
- Significant gender differences were observed in fellowship types (p = .002).
- Men were more likely to be listed as Top Doctors for more years (OR: 1.36, p < .001).
Conclusions:
- The proportion of women on the Top Doctor list is lower than their representation in otolaryngology.
- Gender-based differences in fellowship specialization and certifications may influence selection.
- Further investigation into subspecialty influence on Top Doctor selection is warranted to address gender disparities.
Introduction:
Our study seeks to understand the profiles of otolaryngologists selected by Castle Connolly's Top Doctor list and how this compares to the entire field of otolaryngology.
Methods:
Top Doctor lists published in Castle Connolly affiliated magazines were analyzed for Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology/Facial Plastic Surgery, or Pediatric Otolaryngology physicians. Only lists published in 2021 or representing the 2021 Top Doctor lists were analyzed. Of the total 39 partnered magazines, 27 met our criteria. Information on the physician was analyzed from the Castle Connolly website and included: gender, education, faculty position, years as a Top Doctor, and certifications of each physician.
Results:
879 doctors, 742 (84%) men and 137 women (16%), were included in our analysis. 509 physicians completed a fellowship, 85 (62%) women and 424 (57%) men. The fellowship type varied significantly between gender (p = .002). 122 (14%) Top Doctors completed facial and plastic reconstructive surgery and 111 (91%) were men. Of the women Top Doctors completing a fellowship, 29 (34%) completed a fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology. A logistic regression found that men have an increased odds of being on the Top Doctors list for more years than females (OR: 1.36, p < .001).
Conclusion:
The percentage of women named as Top Doctors was less than the proportion of women in otolaryngology. This may be attributed to gender differences we found in fellowship type and certification. Further research into the role of otolaryngology subspecialties in selection of Top Doctors is needed to better understand gender differences.
