Diversity in Leadership Positions in U.S. Academic Pediatric Gastroenterology Programs. A Review & Call to Action.

ABSTRACT Women and minorities are underrepresented in leadership positions in academic specialties. We investigated representation of women and minorities in selected leadership positions and in fellowships in North American academic pediatric gastroenterology programs (PGP) via voluntary surveys. We also assessed for factors influencing diversity.We found that 45.8% of Program Directors (PD), 75% of division chiefs (DC) and 71% of Pediatrics department chairs were male. 63% of the PG fellows were female. Most DCs were male professors. Most PDs, DCs and department chairs were White (70%,80% and 88.3%), with Blacks being the least represented group in leadership and also among fellows. We found a higher likelihood of having a White PD if the department chair was White. We found gender and racial disparities in all PGI leadership positions.This data can serve as a guide in efforts to support diversity for both gender and race at all positions and academic ranks.