Factors Associated With Increased Sex Diversity in Orthopaedic Trauma Association-Accredited Fellowship Training.

Abstract

Introduction: This study quantifies the state of sex diversity in orthopaedic trauma training and analyzes fellowship program characteristics associated with greater sex diversity among trainees. We hypothesized that greater sex diversity among orthopaedic trauma fellows would be associated with the presence of female faculty.

Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of orthopaedic trauma faculty (2023 to 2024) and fellows (2009 to 2024). A trainee analysis for orthopaedic trauma fellows was done relative to orthopaedic surgery residents and allopathic medical students. Fellowship program characteristics associated with increased sex diversity among fellows were elucidated with chi square tests. Temporal analyses were done with linear regression.

Results: Overall, 1,266 orthopaedic trauma fellows and 200 were female (15.8%). Sex diversity in orthopaedic trauma fellowships was similar to orthopaedic surgery residency programs (14.2%, P = 0.135) but less than allopathic medical schools (47.5%, P < 0.001). Female representation in orthopaedic trauma fellowship training increased over the study period (9.1% vs. 31.5%, P < 0.001); 349 orthopaedic trauma faculty at 65 orthopaedic trauma fellowships and 41 were female (11.7%). Of the 65 fellowship program directors, only four were female (6.2%). The presence of female faculty was associated with greater sex diversity among orthopaedic trauma fellows (P = 0.017). Additional program characteristics, like geographic region, accreditation status, and number of faculty, were not associated with greater sex diversity.

Discussion: Sex diversity is increasing in orthopaedic trauma fellowship training and is associated with the presence of female faculty. Efforts to mentor and recruit female trainees in orthopaedic trauma fellowship training may lead to greater workforce diversity in orthopaedic trauma.