Association of Academic Physiatrists Women's Task Force Follow-up Report.

ABSTRACT The Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP) convened a Women's Task Force in 2016, under the leadership of then AAP President Gerard Francisco, MD, to evaluate data and metrics pertaining to the representation and inclusion of women physiatrists in the society. An initial published report focused on a retrospective analysis of data in categories such as leadership, conference presentations, and recognition awards. The findings, which highlighted areas in which the AAP had been successful in supporting gender equity as well as areas in which women physiatrists were underrepresented, provided a base from which to strategically focus on closing gaps in representation. The task force developed an action plan that was approved by the Board of Trustees and included strategies aimed at closing gaps and collecting data to determine corresponding effectiveness. Because most of the categories fell under the supervision of various AAP committees, an appointee from each committee ("diversity steward") liaised with the Women's Task Force. The diversity stewards reviewed the plan with their respective committees and collected data within their committee's purview. This task force follow-up report documents recent progress, consistent with the AAP Board of Trustees commitment to transparency and gender equity.