Background: Women
comprised only 7.1% of all Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) providers in
1970, and held 58.7% of OB-GYN positions in 2017.
Methods: 56 of
the top OB-GYN residencies as ranked by Doximity.com and US News & World
Report were identified and grouped by geographic region. Demographic
information for residents (n = 1732) and program/departmental leadership (n =
112) were compiled. Individuals’ gender was identified using online photos and
biographical descriptors. The male-to-female ratio (MFR) of the 2018 intern
class, of existing residency classes, program directors and departmental chairs
were calculated and compared. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison
tests were used (significance = p<0.05).
Results: A
majority of trainees in OB-GYN programs are women (62.5-94%.) The MFR varied
significantly based on geographic region; southern programs had the highest MFR
(Figure 1). Programs with male chairs compared to those with female chairs
recruited more male interns (14.2% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.001). Programs with >
20% male residents (PGY 2,3,4) had a higher MFR in the incoming intern class
compared to programs with < 20% (15.4% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.020).
Discussions: Men are a minority in
OB-GYN training. Gender composition of residency programs is influenced by the
gender of leadership, geographic region, and of prior classes. Programs
must balance empowerment of women with a culture of inclusion and support of
qualified male candidates to ensure strength gained through diversity.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2019, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Professionalism, GME, UME, Advocacy, Sexuality,
Michelle Suh,
BS, Baylor
College of Medicine; Rowland Pettit, BS;
Karin Fox,
MD MEd
