Promotion of gender equity in obstetrics and gynecology: principles and practices for academic leaders

Linda Brubaker; Erica Marsh; Marcelle I Cedars; Dee Fenner; Amy Murtha; Barbara Goff; Dineo Khabele

doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2021.09.035

Promotion of gender equity in obstetrics and gynecology: principles and practices for academic leaders

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2022 Feb;226(2):163-168. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.09.035. Epub 2021 Oct 2.

Authors

Linda Brubaker¹, Erica Marsh², Marcelle I Cedars³, Dee Fenner², Amy Murtha³, Barbara Goff⁴, Dineo Khabele⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
³ Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
⁴ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
⁵ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO.

PMID: 34610320
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.09.035

Abstract

The advancement of women leaders in obstetrics and gynecology does not reflect the changes in the physician workforce seen over the last 50 years. A core value of our culture in obstetrics and gynecology must be gender equity. Departmental, institutional, and professional society efforts should explicitly prioritize and demonstrate a commitment to gender equity with tangible actions. This commentary from the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society synthesizes available information about women holding academic leadership roles within obstetrics and gynecology. We propose specific principles and leadership practices to promote gender equity.

Keywords: academic medicine; gender equity; gynecology; leadership; obstetrics.

MeSH terms

Faculty, Medical
Female
Gender Equity*
Gynecology*
Humans
Leadership*
Male
Obstetrics*
Physicians, Women*
United States