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Gender Differences in Hepatology Medical Literature

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Abstract

Background

Studies suggest that gender differences in academic medicine exist. Men frequently have better measures of performance such as number of publications, number of citations, remuneration, and funding.

Aims

To evaluate whether a gender disparity in authorship exists.

Methods

We recorded the gender of first and senior authors of original papers, editorials/reviews from liver-related manuscripts in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Transplantation, American Journal of Gastroenterology, and Liver Transplantation from January 2014 to 2016.

Results

Of 2424 articles reviewed, we excluded 232 (10%) due to inability to determine gender. Among papers analyzed, 72.0% were original and 28.1% reviews/editorials with 65.1% of first authors being male and 34.9% female. Only 20.3% of papers with multiple authors had a female senior author. The proportion of male first and senior authorship between original papers and reviews/editorials was comparable. 72% of original papers had a male as first or senior author, but only 28% females. 71% of review/editorial papers had a male as first or senior author, but only 29% females. When the senior author of an original paper was female, 47.1% of first authors were male and 52.9% female. When the senior author was male, 67.1% of first authors were male and 32.9% female (p < 0.00001).

Conclusions

A significant gender difference exists in Hepatology publications. Female authorship mirrors the percentage of female AASLD membership; however, female senior authorship remains disproportionate. In general, funding for male authors is greater. Fewer women are first authors when the senior author is male, highlighting the importance of female mentorship in Hepatology.

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Funding

The authors declare that no funding was received.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology, University of Miami, 1600 NW 10th Ave #1140, Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    Nathalie A. Pena Polanco

  2. Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, 19555 N. 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ, 85308, USA

    Bridgette B. McNally

  3. Division of Hepatology, University of Miami, 1600 NW 10th Ave #1140, Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    Cynthia Levy

  4. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA

    Elizabeth J. Carey

  5. Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 8900 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA, 90048, USA

    Juvelyn Palomique & Tram T. Tran

Authors
  1. Nathalie A. Pena Polanco
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  2. Bridgette B. McNally
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  3. Cynthia Levy
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  4. Elizabeth J. Carey
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  5. Juvelyn Palomique
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Correspondence to Elizabeth J. Carey.

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Polanco, N.A.P., McNally, B.B., Levy, C. et al. Gender Differences in Hepatology Medical Literature. Dig Dis Sci 65, 3014–3022 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-019-06025-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-019-06025-3

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