541 Gender Disparities Among Burn Surgery Leadership
Abstract Introduction Gender disparities have been described in the plastic surgery and general surgery literature, but no data has been reported in burn surgery. The aim of this study is to determine gender disparities among burn surgery leadership. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed. Burn surgeons included were directors of American Burn Association (ABA)-verified burn centers, past presidents of the ABA and International Society for Burn Injuries (ISBI), and editors of the Journal of Burn Care & Research, Burns, Burns & Trauma, Annals of Burns & Fire Disasters, and the International Journal of Burns and Trauma. Training, age, H-index, and academic level and leadership position were compared among surgeons identified. Results Among the 69 ABA and ISBI past presidents, 203 burn journals’ editorial board members, and 71 burn unit directors, females represented only2.9 percent, 10.5 percent, and 17 percent, respectively. Among burn unit directors, females completed fellowship training more recently than males (female = 2006, male = 1999, p < 0.02), have lower H-indexes (female = 8.6, male = 17.3, p = 0.03), and are less represented asfull professors (female = 8.3 percent, male = 42.4 percent, p = 0.026). There were no differences in age, residency, research fellowship, or number of fellowships. Conclusions Gender disparities exist in burn surgery and are highlighted at the leadership level, even though female surgeons have a similar age, residency training and other background factors. However, gender diversity in burn surgery may improve as females in junior faculty positions advance in their careers. Applicability of Research to Practice Gender disparities are a significant issue in burn leadership, which needs further discussion at national level and should be addressed more proactively through programs that emphasize leadership opportunities and mentorship for women.