The Experiences of Women in Otolaryngology: A Scoping Review

Understanding the unique experiences of women in otolaryngology is key to promoting gender equity within this field. The objective of this study is to systematically synthesize the literature on the experiences of women in otolaryngology during training and practice and identify gender disparities in representation and remuneration, scholarship and leadership, harassment and mistreatment, and pregnancy and parenthood.

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, CINAHL, gray literature sources (inception to November 24, 2024).

English-language studies describing the experiences of women attendings and trainees in otolaryngology were included. Review articles, opinion pieces, and letters were excluded. Primary outcomes included representation, remuneration, contribution to scholarship, representation in leadership, incidence of harassment and mistreatment, and incidence of pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool.

Ninety-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Significant disparities were identified in representation and renumeration, scholarship and leadership, discrimination and harassment, and pregnancy and parenthood. Women were under-represented across all clinical settings and in research and leadership. Women attendings and residents report greater discrimination and harassment compared to men. Women described significant challenges in family planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Pregnancy and child-rearing were described as barriers to career advancement.

Gender disparities in otolaryngology are reported across multiple professional and personal domains, ranging from representation to research productivity and from mistreatment to motherhood. Understanding the unique experiences and challenges of women in otolaryngology is crucial to improving work and learning environments.