Diversity in US medical school department chairs: 45-year retrospective analysis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the trends in sex and race/ethnicity demographics of department chairs at US medical schools over 45 years. Design This was a longitudinal retrospective analysis of the Association of American Medical Colleges database. Setting The study analysed the sex and race/ethnicity of department chairs in US medical schools. Participants Department chairs were classified by sex and self-reported race/ethnicity. Data from 1977 to 2022 were used to evaluate changes in the demographic composition of leadership roles over time. Exposure Identifying as female and/or as part of an under-represented in medicine group. Main outcomes and measures The outcome measures were demographic (ie, sex, race and ethnicity) trends among department chairs. Results The analysis depicted under-representation of women and racial minorities in department chairs. A notable increase was noted in the number of Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino department chairs. However, this was outnumbered by the number of white individuals in leadership positions. Conclusion and relevance The end of affirmative action is expected to jeopardise the progress made and has the potential to perpetuate the lack of diversity in the department chair positions.