Gender differences in urology society award recipients

Am J Surg. 2020 Nov;220(5):1152-1158. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.06.062. Epub 2020 Jul 8.

Abstract

Background: Approximately 91% of urologists are male and 9% female. We aim to characterize gender differences amongst urology society awardees over the past six decades.

Methods: We queried 16 American urology societies. Inclusion criteria were active membership enrollment, majority urologist members, and awards provided at an annual, biennial or triennial basis.

Results: Ten urology societies were included. Between 1963 and 2019, 848 awardees for 34 awards were identified. Men comprised 92.2% and women 7.8% of recipients. The highest percentage of women awardees per year (21.7%) occurred in 2018, increased from 6.5% in 2008 and 0% in 1998. Over the last 11 years, women received 0% of awards offered 61% of the time.

Conclusions: There is an increased trend in the representation of women awardees by urology societies, although the frequency varies widely between societies. This is in keeping with the trend of increasing number of women entering the field of urology.

Keywords: Distinguished sub specialty awards; Gender disparity; Gender equity; Urology organizations.

MeSH terms

  • Awards and Prizes*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physicians, Women / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Societies, Medical*
  • United States
  • Urologists / statistics & numerical data*
  • Urology