Gender and Ethnic Diversity in Academic Facial Plastic Surgery

Objective Characterize academic facial plastic surgeons by demographics, time in practice, academic productivity, and faculty position. Study Type Cross-sectional study. Methods Facial plastic surgery faculty in US otolaryngology residencies with a title of assistant professor, associate professor, or professor were identified. Demographics and academic data were obtained from public profiles and Scopus. Results One hundred sixty-eight surgeons were identified. Females comprised 25.6%. Most surgeons were White (69.6%), followed by Asian (25%), Hispanic (3.6%), and Black (1.8%). Mean h-index was similar between sexes when controlling for years in practice (1.13 vs. 1.14, p = 0.575). Female representation was greater among early-career surgeons (41%) than among mid- or late-career surgeons (24% and 13%, respectively) (p = 0.006). The correlation of years in practice with academic title was similar between sexes. There was no difference in h-index (p = 0.384) or distribution of academic positions (p = 0.658) between White and non-White surgeons. There was no statistical difference in full professorship (p = 1.0) or research productivity (p = 0.974) between late-career White and non-White academic facial plastic surgeons. There was no statistical difference in promotion from assistant professorship (p = 0.506) or research productivity (p = 0.857) between White and non-White surgeons in practice for over 5 years. Conclusion Female representation in academic facial plastic surgery is low, though greater gender parity among younger surgeons suggests an improving trend. Hispanic and Black surgeons remain significantly underrepresented in the field. Although increased diversity is needed in academic facial plastic surgery, established minority surgeons have experienced similar research productivity and advancement through academic ranks as their majority counterparts. Level of Evidence N/A Laryngoscope, 2022