Sex differences in Allergy and Immunology training programs

Abstract

Currently, women represent 54% of enrolled U.S. medical students and 47% of all residents and fellows in ACGME-accredited programs, having achieved equal representation at a trainee level in the last decades.1,2 However, this still has not translated into equality in leadership positions across all medical fields.3 In particular with Allergy and Immunology (A/I), it has been demonstrated that female academic allergists are less likely to become full professors than their male counterparts,4 and women are less frequently first authors, although this is increasing.5 Although A/I has made efforts to address these disparities, such as through the creation of specialized committees and professional development initiatives6, it is clear that these efforts take time to have meaningful effects and promote more complete representation, particularly in leadership. A variety of factors likely contribute to this, including increased childcare and household responsibilities for female physicians compared to male physicians, lack of mentorship, and cultural expectations.4,7 This paper seeks to evaluate the current breakdown of A/I trainees, faculty and leadership position by sex and to identify what discrepancies still exist in training, faculty, or in leadership positions, if at all.