[Academics in ophthalmology : An analysis of the gender distribution at German university hospitals and the Clinician Scientist Program].

Abstract

Background: The number of female ophthalmologists has risen steadily in recent years. The aim of this study is to investigate the gender ratios, subspecialties, and academic degrees of ophthalmologists at German university hospitals. Additionally, the study analyzes the proportion of women in science programs such as the Clinician Scientist Program.

Methods: Data collection was performed in August 2023 based on the official websites of university eye clinics and the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG). The numbers of male and female residents, specialists, senior physicians, and chief physicians as well as subspecialties and academic degrees were determined. Information on the Clinician Scientist Program was collected in a 2022 survey by the Medical Faculty Council.

Results: In August 2023 there were two female chief physicians at the university eye clinics (5%), both specialized in retinal surgery. There were more male senior physicians than female senior physicians (59.9% vs. 40.1%). There was no significant difference between the genders in terms of the number of habilitations (p = 0.554). There were more female specialists than male specialists at the university clinics (58.6% vs. 41.4%) as well as more female residents (56.9% vs. 43.1%). Female specialists were significantly more likely to hold a doctorate than their male colleagues (p = 0.037). The percentage of female applicants for the Clinician Scientist Program nationwide in 2022 was 46.6%, with 41.8% female program starters in 2021 and 39.7% female program graduates in 2021.

Conclusion: Senior and chief physician roles at university eye clinics remain predominantly occupied by men. Additionally, support programs for young researchers are still predominantly awarded to men.