The Only Constant is Change: A Longitudinal Analysis of Women's Representation Across American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Committee Leadership.

Abstract

Background: Women have historically been underrepresented in surgical leadership and in specialty organizations. This study longitudinally examines representation of women across committee leadership within the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA).

Methods: Annual APSA committee chair and vice-chair rosters (2003-2023) were obtained. If not self-reported in the membership roster, gender was classified based upon review of publicly available data. Proportions of women who served as chairs and vice-chairs were quantified by committee and by year.

Results: Overall, the proportion of women serving as APSA committee chairs and vice-chairs increased from 11% to 48% during the study period (p = 0.001). In examining each position, the proportion of women chairs increased from 12% to 40% (p = 0.042), while women vice-chairs increased from 10% to 58% (p = 0.009). The committees with the highest cumulative proportion of women chairs were Benjy Brooks (100%), Diversity Equity & Inclusion (100%), Finance (100%), Global Pediatric Surgery (67%), and Wellness (67%). Four committees- Trauma, Access to Surgery for Kids, Practice, and Professional Development - were not led by a woman chair in the entire study period. Additionally, five committees that traditionally have had significant impact on organizational workflow and agendas all had cumulative proportions of women chairs of less than 50% - Education (33%), Publications (28.6%), Outcomes (19%), Surgical Quality & Safety (18.8%) and Program (9.5%).

Conclusion: These results demonstrate encouraging trends in the gender diversity of APSA leadership. However, this progress does not appear to be evenly distributed; leadership of key committees continues to lack substantial women's representation.

Level of evidence: III.