Faculty diversity and inclusion program outcomes at an academic otolaryngology department.

Abstract

To describe a 10-year diversity initiative to increase the number of women and underrepresented minorities in an academic department of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Retrospective review. A multifaceted approach was undertaken to recruit and retain women and underrepresented minority (URM) faculty: creation of a climate of diversity, aggressive recruitment, achievement of parity of salary at rank regardless of gender or minority status, provision of mentorship to women and URM faculty, and increasing the pipeline of qualified candidates. Primary outcomes measures included number of women and URM faculty, academic rank, and salary. From 2004 to 2014, the percentage of women clinical faculty increased from 5.8% to 23.7%; women basic science faculty increased from 11.1% to 37.5%. The number of women at associate professor rank increased from 0 to eight. During this period, underrepresented minority faculty increased in number from two to four; URM full professors increased in number from 0 to 1. In 2004, women earned 4% to 12% less than their male counterparts; there were no salary differences for URM. In 2014, salary was equal by rank and subspecialty training independent of gender or minority status. A comprehensive diversity and inclusion initiative has increased representation of women and URM faculty in an academic department of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. However, there continue to be opportunities to further increase diversity. N/A.