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Leadership in Hand Surgery: Experience, Mentorship and Bias
Dr. Miriam Henry M.D.
Dr. Debra Bourne M.D.
Dr. Daniel Davenport PhD.
Dr. Mark Baratz M.D.
University of Kentucky
2022-01-31
Presenter: Miriam Henry M.D.
Affidavit:
Dr. Lesley Wong M.D.
Director Name: Lesley Wong
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Hand
BACKGROUND
The progress of hand surgery is driven by talented and passionate leaders. The purpose of this study is to understand experiences of leaders in hand surgery and the impact of gender and racial diversity.
METHODS
An anonymous survey was sent to leadership in hand surgery. Leaders were defined as current or past president of a national society, division chief or department chair, or fellowship program director.
RESULTS
Two-hundred-twenty-one leaders responded, a response rate of 60.5%. Most were national society present or past presidents (41.8%), chief or chair (39.3%) or fellowship director (13.9%). Males represented 81.0% and females 19.0%. Most respondents were white (87.6%).
Ninety-one percent of females live in a dual career household, compared to 53.7% of males (OR 0.15, p=0.017). Most reported that the gender of their most influential mentor/sponsor was male, however men were more likely to have a male mentor than women (95% : 76% respectively, p=0.001). White respondents were more likely to have a white a mentor/sponsor than non-white respondents (91% : 61% respectively, p=0.009).
Ninety-five percent of females reported experiencing bias compared to 27% of males (p<0.001). Females reported bias in salary, promotion, nomination, sponsorship, networking, and clinical resources. Non-whites reported bias in promotion.
CONCLUSIONS
The majority of leaders in hand surgery are white males. Mentors tend to be demographically similar to their mentees. Females and non-whites experience bias more compared to male and white respondents. These results demonstrate that women and racial minorities continue to face bias and barriers to leadership within hand surgery.
