Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2023 Mar 20. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004633. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze trends in racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in orthopaedic spine surgery fellowship trainees.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Orthopaedic surgery has consistently been labeled as one of the least diverse fields in Medicine. While some effort has been made to combat this in recent years at the residency level, it is uncertain if spine fellowships have had any changes in fellow demographics.
METHODS: Fellowship demographic data was collected through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Data collected included gender (Male, Female, Not reported), and race (White, Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiians, American Indian or Alaskan Native, other, and unknown). Percentage equivalents were calculated for each group from 2007-2008 to 2020-2021. A χ2 test for trend (Cochran-Armitage test) was done to determine if there was a significant change in percentages of each race and gender during the study period. Results were considered statistically significant at P<0.05.
RESULTS: White, Non-Hispanic males represent the largest proportion of orthopaedic spine fellowship positions each year. From 2007 to 2021, there were no significant changes in representation of any race or gender of orthopaedic spine fellows. Males ranged from 81% to 95%, Whites from 28% to 66%, Asians from 9% to 28%, Blacks from 3% to 16%, and Hispanics from 0% to 10%. Native Hawaiians and American Indians remained at 0% for all years included in the study. Females and all races, excluding Whites, continue to be underrepresented in orthopaedic spine fellowship.
CONCLUSION: Orthopaedics spine surgery fellowship programs have not made substantial progress in diversifying its population. To see progression of diversity, more attention is needed to increase diversity in residency programs through pipeline programs, increased mentorship and sponsorship, and early exposure to the field.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1.
PMID:36940267 | DOI:10.1097/BRS.0000000000004633
