Disparities in Promotion and Retention Rates Among Underrepresented in Medicine Faculty in U.S. Ophthalmology Departments

Abstract

PurposeThis study examines the rates and trends of faculty promotions within the field of ophthalmology, with comparative emphasis on the rates of promotion among URiM faculty. DesignA retrospective panel study was conducted using the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Faculty Roster database. MethodsWe utilized the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Faculty Roster data to assess trends in academic faculty promotions within U.S. ophthalmology departments. Full-time assistant and associate professors appointed between 2000-2010 were included in the analysis, and tracked until November 2021 to determine promotion rates. Pearson's Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were utilized to evaluate differences in promotion and retention rates based on gender, race and ethnicity, advanced degree, and tenure status. ResultsThe demographics of 1436 assistant, and 680 associate faculty members were obtained for analysis through the AAMC. Black faculty had lower promotion rates when compared to White faculty (20% vs 37% p<.001). Faculty with MD/PhD degrees demonstrated higher promotion rates than faculty with MD degrees alone (59% vs 36%, p<.001). Additionally, Faculty not on tenure track had lower rates of promotion than those on tenure track (35% vs 48%, p<.001). With respect to faculty retention: among assistant and associate professors combined, Black faculty and faculty without tenure track appointments were more likely to leave academic medicine (46% vs 33%, p<.001) and (36% vs 27%, p<.001) respectively. ConclusionIn this study, promotion rates varied significantly by race/ethnicity. Specifically, Black faculty had lower rates of promotion and retention in academic medicine. These findings underscore the need to explore and implement strategies and policies to address equity in promotion rates and retention of URiM faculty within academic ophthalmology.