Trends in Women Adult Reconstruction Surgeons: Fellowship Applicants and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Members

Abstract

Background

Major research and recruitment efforts have focused on diversifying the orthopaedic surgery workforce, with a focus on gender diversity. This study aimed to characterize gender trends in the adult reconstruction fellowship match and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) membership over the past decade. We hypothesized that there would be increases in the percentage of women adult reconstruction fellows and AAHKS members.

Methods

For this retrospective, descriptive study, the full names of matched adult reconstruction fellows from 2012 to 2022 were collected. For the fellowship match, genders were predicted by the Genderize algorithm. From the AAHKS database, full names, self-identified genders, and clinical statuses were extracted from January 2016 to May 2023. Descriptive statistics were analyzed. Gender trends were evaluated with logistic regression analyses. P values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

From 2012 to 2022, 1,762 residents were matched for adult reconstruction fellowships. Women represented between 2.5 and 9.0% of matched adult reconstruction fellows per year. The percentage of matched women applicants has remained stable (P = 0.4). From 2016 to 2023, the membership of AAHKS grew from 2,845 to 4,159 surgical members. The number of women adult reconstruction surgeons significantly increased from 2.5 to 3.8% (2016 to 2023, P < 0.001). At the resident level, women’s membership increased from 4.0% to 12.0% (2016 to 2023, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although more women orthopaedic surgeons are matching in adult reconstruction, the percentage of women adult reconstruction fellows has remained stable, with the highest level being in 2021. However, the increase in women’s membership in AAHKS is encouraging, especially at the resident and international levels. More diverse work environments can enhance patient experiences and outcomes, in addition to provider well-being and productivity. Therefore, it is prudent and essential to continue building a more diverse adult reconstruction community.