Gender Representation Among Major Plastic Surgery Society Achievement Award Recipients

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Medical Awards
• Gender Representation

Background:

• Professional awards influence recruitment, promotion, and faculty review in academia.
• Gender-based assumptions can bias evaluations, particularly in male-dominated scientific and medical fields.
• Previous studies indicate gender disparities in award committees and evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze gender representation among recipients of major North American plastic surgery society awards over the past 50 years (1970-2020).
• To compare awardee demographics with leadership positions and general membership within these societies.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from 10 major North American plastic surgery societies (1970-2020).
• Awardee gender, institutional affiliation, graduation year, and fellowship status were recorded.
• Gender representation was compared to society presidents, board members, and general membership.

Main Results:

• Out of 625 awards conferred, only 47 (7.5%) recipients were female.
• Among 121 individuals receiving multiple major awards, only 8 were female.
• A gradual increase in female award recipients was observed over the 50-year period.

Conclusions:

• Female plastic surgeons remain significantly underrepresented in major society awards, receiving less than 10% of accolades.
• Despite a slow upward trend, gender disparities in award recognition persist in plastic surgery.
• Addressing these disparities is crucial for equitable advancement in the field.