Defining the Current Landscape of Women in Urology: An Analysis of Female Applicants, Residents, and Faculty at AUA-Accredited Residency Programs

Abstract

Objective: To describe the current landscape of women in academic Urology and determine if there is a correlation between female applicant matches and the proportion of female faculty/residents at their home institution or matched program.

Methods: We obtained 2020 American Urological Association (AUA) Match applicant demographics through social media platforms and program inquiries. The gender of full-time faculty and residents at AUA accredited programs was obtained from program websites. Correlations between proportions of female matched applicants and female faculty and residents were analyzed using linear regression models.

Results: A total of 353 residency slots at all 142 non-military programs were filled in the 2020 AUA Match, with 105 filled by women (30%). Of all applicants, 221 of 286 (77%) males and 105 of 122 (86%) females matched. Regarding institutions with urology residencies, women made up 27% of residents and 16% of full-time faculty. A total of 23 (17%) did not have any female faculty and 8 (6%) had no female residents. We found a positive correlation between the proportion of female residents and female faculty (r² = 0.12, P <.0001). There was no significant correlation between the proportion of female matched applicants and female faculty or female residents at their matched programs or home institutions.

Conclusion: The proportion of female residents within a urology program is positively correlated with the number of female faculty in the department, although further studies are needed to examine contributing factors. The current distribution of female applicants may demonstrate further narrowing of the gender gap within residency programs.