Investigating Gender Disparities in Ophthalmology Departments at Medical Schools in Japan

Abstract

This comprehensive study investigates the gender distribution of ophthalmologists in academic positions in Japanese medical schools. Data were collected from the websites of all ophthalmology departments and affiliated hospitals from November 1-15, 2023. Faculty gender was identified using first names and photographs, and where unclear, further verification was sought from the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare or known contacts. The survey included 1,574 faculty members: 453 females (28.8%) and 1,121 males (71.2%). The representation of females varied significantly across different academic ranks: 9.9% were professors, 21.9% associate professors, 39.5% assistant professors, and 36.7% research associates. A significant gender disparity was observed, with males being 4.41 times more likely to become professors than females (p < 0.001). Conversely, females were more likely to hold research associate positions than males (Odds Ratio: 0.51, p < 0.001). This study highlights a male predominance in senior academic positions within ophthalmology departments in Japanese medical schools.