Gender Diversity Among Surgeons on US ACPA-Approved Cleft and Craniofacial Teams

Gender diversity among surgeons, particularly within subspecialties, is limited compared with other medical professions. Although diverse patient care teams have been shown to improve patient trust, communication, and overall care, female representation among multidisciplinary teams and in leadership roles remains low. This study aims to evaluate gender diversity among surgeons on American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA)-approved cleft and craniofacial teams in the United States, with emphasis on subspecialty representation and leadership roles.

Cleft teams approved by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA) in the United States were identified through the ACPA website. Individual team webpages were reviewed to determine the surgeons involved in cleft-related care. Included surgical subspecialties were plastic surgery, otolaryngology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and neurosurgery. Data collected included gender of surgeons and team directors or co-directors.

A total of 186 ACPA-approved teams were analyzed. Among all surgeons identified, 25% were female. Plastic surgeons accounted for 43% of all surgeons, 23% of whom were female. Otolaryngologists represented 27% of surgeons, with 33% female. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons comprised 15%, with 12% female. Neurosurgeons represented 14%, with 26% female. Overall, 89% of the teams were led by surgeons and among these, 29% had a female director or co-director.

Gender diversity among cleft and craniofacial teams remains limited, with fewer than 1 in 4 surgeons identifying as female and only a minority serving in leadership roles. Efforts to address barriers to female representation are critical to promote equity, foster collaboration, and strengthen multidisciplinary cleft and craniofacial care.