Representation of Women in Otolaryngology on Editorial Boards

Abstract

Objectives:

Investigate the involvement of women on the editorial boards of otolaryngology journals.

Methods:

Five journals were surveyed from 2006 through 2012. The number and position of women were tracked. Characteristics studied included ethnicity, board certification, geographic location, and academic rank using data extracted from publicly available sources. Journal impact was compared to board turnover and diversity.

Results:

Over the last 7 years, most journals increased their representation of women on editorial boards, with two displaying rates of 23.5% and 24.6% in 2012. Four journals increased their number of women with the highest percent of women and greatest board turnover associated with the greatest increases in impact. Of the 48 women noted to be on the editorial boards of these 5 journals, 9 (20%) are members of more than one board (2 on 3 boards, and 7 on 2 boards); of the 315 men, 67 (21%) were on more than one board, and 10 (3%) on more than two boards. Overall board turnover rates remain low; one journal had no turn over and also had the lowest percent of women. Women were more likely to be Asian than males (21% vs. 9%, P < 0.001) and were board certified fewer years (mean 19.7 vs. 25.3, P < 0.002). No differences in academic rank were noted.

Conclusions:

Between 2006 and 2012 proportionate rank of women on otolaryngology boards is noted. Their progression and strategies to achieve editor-in-chief positions are discussed.