This study explores female leadership within paediatric ophthalmology services in the US and whether the findings reflect the equal gender composition of the paediatric ophthalmology subspeciality workforce. This was a cross-sectional study with data collection from publicly available online sources such as professional ophthalmology organisations and institution websites. The authors identified 229 children’s hospitals and 132 academic medical centres. Ninety (39%) hospitals had dedicated paediatric ophthalmology services and 77 (58%) academic centres had dedicated services. Of 167 paediatric ophthalmology services, 64 (38%) were led by female chiefs. Children’s hospitals with academic affiliations had females chiefs in 42%. Those without academic affiliation had 17% of female chief leadership. On review of academic training programmes, 42% of ophthalmic residency programmes were led by a female director and for paediatric ophthalmology fellowship programmes, 46% were led by females. The authors conclude a gender gap persists within paediatric ophthalmology leadership, most notably within the clinical setting, although there is near equivalent female representation in academic programme leadership.
Female leadership within paediatric ophthalmology in the US
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Female leadership in paediatric ophthalmology: a descriptive analysis.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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