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Topic:

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Issue:

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Category:

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Title:

Academic and Demographic Characteristics of Pediatric Orthopaedic Division Chiefs in the United States

Author:

Proal, Joshua D. BS; Maqsoodi, Noorullah MD; Abela, Daniele MD; Curry, Emily J. MPH; Mesfin, Addisu MD; Li, Xinning MD

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

March 2024

Reference:

44(3): p e298-e302, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002600

Level Of Evidence:

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# of Patients:

Total pediatric orthopaedic hospitals: 223.
Designated division chiefs identified: 98.

Study Type:

Observational and cross-sectional study.

Location:

United States.

Summary:

This study evaluates the demographics, scholarly work, and diversity of division chiefs (DCs) in pediatric orthopaedic services across U.S. academic and pediatric hospitals.

Methods:

Hospitals were identified using several databases (Electronic Residency Application Service, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, and Children’s Hospital Association websites). Leadership demographics, fellowship training institutions, years since fellowship, and academic ranks were obtained from hospital and online resources. h-indices and publication counts were retrieved via Scopus and PubMed, respectively.

Exclusions:

Hospitals without designated division chiefs were excluded from the analysis.

Results:

Demographics: Male: 85.7%; Female: 14.3%. Predominantly white (83.7%), followed by Asian (12.2%) and African American (2.0%). Academic Metrics: Average h-index: 15.7. Publications: Not explicitly stated. 48.5% of DCs in academic settings held the rank of professor. Training Background: Most DCs trained at Boston Children’s Hospital (16.3%) and Texas Scottish Rite for Children (14.3%). Affiliation Differences: Academic centers had a higher proportion of female DCs compared to nonacademic centers (P=0.0317).

Conclusions:

Leadership in pediatric orthopaedics in the U.S. predominantly comprises white males with high academic achievements. Efforts to improve diversity in leadership roles within pediatric orthopaedics are necessary to reflect broader societal representation and inclusivity goals.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

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