A 10 Year Review of Designated Leadership Positions of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS)

Abstract

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: In 2019 the majority of U.S medical students were women (50.5%). Despite this, in 2019 Orthopaedic surgery had the lowest representation of female surgeons (5.8%). Previously, the American Society for Surgery of the hand (ASSH) and Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) published their gender diversity data. However, no such study has been conducted in the largest membership organization for foot and ankle trained orthopaedic surgeons. This study sought to investigate whether increased female representation in the American Orthoapedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) membership roster is reflected in different levels within the organization. Methods: The 2012-2022 membership rosters were obtained from the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and compared by gender. Volunteer, elected and appointed leadership positions and rates of engagement were compared for each of the activities. Leadership positions were defined as appointment as committee chair, vice chair of board of directors. When available, time for advancement through leadership positions was analyzed by gender. Comparative data was available for comparison to two other respective subspecialty groups (ASSH and POSNA) from previously published studies. Results: Between 2012-2022, the percentage of female membership in the AOFAS has continued to increase from 7.5 (n=76) to 13% (n=163) (Table 1). Engagement in committee membership positions in this time has more than doubled from 11/26 (14.4%) to 57/163 (34.9%) (Table 1-3). When participation trends were evaluated by gender, women showed higher rates of committee involvement than their male counterparts (Table 4). In 2021 the percentage of female committee involvement more than doubled their male counterparts (female 57% vs male 23.2 %) (Figure 1). This committee gender composition trend has been seen in the ASSHA and POSNA however is more pronounced in the AOFAS. Representation of women in committee chair positions and elected positions has not seen this same parallel increase (Figure 2). Conclusion: The AOFAS is on trend with the respective Orthopaedic subspecialities. Female membership within the society has increased over the past ten years. The rates of female involvement within committee membership positions have seen a parallel increase. It will take time to mature into leadership roles as we continue to increase diversity within our respective subspecialty organizations. Inception of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Women's Subcommittee demonstrate a continued emphasis on this core value within the society.