Understanding Distribution of Gender and Race across Consultation Liaison Psychiatry in USA

Abstract

The United States of America (USA) has a culturally and ethnically diverse population. Various gender and racial minorities in the healthcare system are not represented adequately when compared to their ratios in the general population. This study reviewed the gender and racial distribution and its temporal trends among fellows in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) within the USA. A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the gender and race of fellows in CLP fellowship programs in the USA from 2007 to 2019. Data was retrieved from publicly available Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Resource Books. According to ACGME data, races were categorized as White (non-Hispanic), Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Black (non-Hispanic), Native American/Alaskan, Others, and Unknown. Gender was self-reported as male, female, and not reported. Among fellows in CLP, the White (Non-Hispanic) race remained the most represented and increased by 7.3% from 2011 to 2019, with an 18.6% increase in relative change. In contrast, the Asian/Pacific Islander, African American/Black (Non-Hispanic), and others decreased by 6.2%, 4.0%, and 4.6%, respectively. Gender distribution trends showed an increase in male representation with a relative increase of 14.7% and an absolute increase of 5.5%. Similar trends were seen in female representation with a relative and absolute increase of 5.2% and 2.8%, respectively. However, women remained the most represented throughout the period. Considering the ongoing globalization & rapidly evolving US demographics, it is crucial to analyze the gender and racial disparities within psychiatry. Racial concordance and a diversified culturally competent physician workforce is imperative for the effective delivery of mental health services.