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Female Pediatrics Residency Program Directors: Position Length, Program Size, and Career Impact.
Liam M Courtney1, Ankith G Rao1, Veronica Vuong2
1Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey, USA.
Women'S Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
|June 20, 2025
Summary
Female physicians are well-represented as pediatric residency program directors (PDs), but underrepresented in higher-authority academic roles. Further research is needed to ensure diverse leadership in medical schools.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Physician Demographics
- Academic Medicine
Background:
- The majority of practicing pediatricians are female.
- Representation of women in academic pediatrics leadership roles is not well-documented.
- This study investigates sex distribution among pediatric residency program directors (PDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the sex distribution of pediatric residency program directors (PDs).
- To analyze PD position duration and program size in relation to sex.
- To compare female PD representation with other academic leadership positions.
Main Methods:
- Data were collected from 213 U.S. pediatric residency programs.
- PD position duration was categorized as short (<5 years), medium (5-10 years), or long (>10 years).
- Program size was defined by resident count: small (<31), medium (31-60), or large (>60).
Main Results:
- 72% of pediatric residency program directors (PDs) are female.
- Females significantly outnumbered males in each duration and program size category.
- Female representation as PDs (72%) contrasts with lower percentages in leadership roles like department chairs (33.3%) and deans (27%).
Conclusions:
- Women are well-represented in pediatric residency program director roles.
- Underrepresentation of females in higher-authority academic positions requires further investigation.
- Ensuring diverse leadership is crucial for representative medical school leadership.
