Introduction
Despite near gender parity for women entering medical careers, women remain underrepresented
in medical societies. This study evaluated the gender distribution associated with
Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) activities.
Methods
A retrospective review was performed on the gender breakdown of the following WMS
members: a single-day 2020 snapshot, conference attendees 2012 through 2020, conference
presenters from winter 2017 through winter 2021, and leadership and awards data from
1984 through 2021. Genderize.io was used to generate probability-based gender categorizations
(male/female) based on first names or pronoun associations.
Results
Gender was assigned in 91% (4043/4461) of 2020 WMS members, 92% (6179/6720) of 2012-2020
conference attendees, and 100% of remaining categories. Women represented 28% (1143/4043)
of members, 27% (1679/6179) of conference attendees, 31% (143/465) of all conference
presenters, 20% (62/303) of mainstage presenters, 23% (17/75) of all board members,
38% (14/37) of committee chairs, and 10% (2/20) of board presidents. Women received
18% (42/228) of recognition awards and 31% (15/48) of research grants issued.
Conclusions
Although women comprise a minority of WMS participants, gender distribution was similar
across categories for membership, conference presenters, total board positions, and
research grant awards. Relative underrepresentation was seen in the highest leadership
levels, in recognition awards, and in mainstage presenters. Ongoing auditing may help
to identify and address sources of bias and/or barriers to participation. Although
it is only one of many components of equity, identifying successes and future opportunities
for gender balance can strengthen the base of the WMS, promote growth, and ensure
a strong leadership pipeline.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 23, 2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
