Background
While substantial progress has been made toward gender parity in dermatology, significant gender gaps remain in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Less than one-third of US Mohs surgeons are women, compared to 52% of dermatologists and 37% of all physicians. Fellowship directors (FDs) play a pivotal role in shaping the future of MMS through direct mentorship and advocacy of subspecialty-wide changes. Characterizing FDs in terms of gender, research productivity, and career timeline have yielded crucial insights into mitigating future inequities. Presently, studies characterizing FDs within MMS are lacking. Herein, we aimed to explore gender trends in MMS FDs and fellows over time and analyze FD characteristics to provide a framework for improving gender diversity.

Methods
We compiled a comprehensive list of FDs and fellows for all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited Micrographic Surgery & Dermatologic Oncology programs from 1996 to 2023. Publicly available data from various internet sources from February 1, 2023 to May 30, 2023 were used to assess characteristics of MMS FDs, including gender, research productivity, program type, educational background, and career timeline. Student’s t-test, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and linear regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results
From 1996 to 2023, the percentage of women fellows increased from 24% to 43% and women FDs increased from 6% to 25%. Women FDs were more likely to select women fellows than men FDs (p=0.0002). Six residency programs accounted for 32% of current FDs, and 10 fellowship programs accounted for nearly 50% of current FDs. Women FDs had fewer years between fellowship completion and FD appointment (9.1 ± 4.7 years) compared to men (13.6 ± 8.8 years; p = 0.036). Women FDs also had fewer years of practice (18.3 ± 6.8 years) compared to men (24.2 ± 10.8 years; p = 0.030). H-index, program type, and academic rank were similar between men and women FDs.

Conclusion
Earlier involvement in academic leadership for women Mohs surgeons is a promising predictor of gender equality on the trainee level, though gender diversity of FDs must be improved. Limitations of this study include that our methods did not account for non-binary genders; thus, the collected data may not be entirely representative of the study population. Future studies should explore ethnic/racial representation in MMS leadership. Such endeavors will propel the field towards building a more representative medical community that delivers the best patient care.

Eeny, meeny, miny, “Mohs": Characterizing gender and leadership trends in Mohs micrographic surgery

 Dermatology

poster

Welcome to the **largest national, multi-specialty research** event featuring research from nearly 700 medical students, residents, fellows, and international medical graduates.

Use the buttons below or navigation menu to access the event.
 


[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/3e33a8c754cc49610b30950617d813e7.png)](https://underline.io/events/434/sessions?searchGroup=all)
 
[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/551404d429c4e274f9a54cbdd7081918.png)](https://underline.io/events/434/posters?searchGroup=all)
 
[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/677d92f566b880cebd36905fc738fc10.png)](https://underline.io/events/434/lounge)
 
[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/c7392833c7261c3874c5b43fa2f4df19.png)](https://underline.io/events/434/help-desk)
 

#### Event Details

The 2023 American Medical Association Research Challenge includes a poster symposium hall and a semifinals hall with the top scored research. **Log in at any time throughout the event to:**

* **View posters and presentations** on a variety of topics and specialties
* **Score posters in the semifinals** to help decide the top five finalists (AMA member exclusive opportunity)
* **Connect with participants** and provide feedback to help advance their research
* **Attend education sessions** with physician experts on key research topics

At the conclusion of this event, the AMA will announce the top five finalists who will advance to the AMA Research Challenge finals, present their research to an elite panel of judges, and compete to win a $10,000 grand prize sponsored by Laurel Road. 

### Grand Prize Sponsor

AMA would like to thank Laurel Road for sponsoring a $10,000 grand prize for the winner of the AMA Research Challenge. Laurel Road is not involved in the judging or scoring process to select the winner. The winner will be announced on February 4, 2024 during the AMA Research Challenge finals. Payment of the grand prize will be directly from Laurel Road. See the AMA Research Challenge Official Rules for terms and conditions.

![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/611e331d4a0eba0920f240cfc04b4d77.png)

**There is no registration fee for this event! **

Register to explore research in a variety of topics. AMA members get exclusive access to score posters in the semifinals.

**Please use this link [here](https://www.ama-assn.org/about/events/ama-research-challenge) to register for free.**

Registration Is Required

AMA Research Challenge 2023

Join the AMA Research Challenge poster symposium and semifinals to explore top research posters, score posters in the semifinals (an AMA member exclusive opportunity) and attend education sessions with experienced physicians to learn tips to advance your research and career. 

Caroline Chen

1

SHORT BIO

Presentations

Eeny, meeny, miny, “Mohs": Characterizing gender and leadership trends in Mohs micrographic surgery

Stay up to date with the latest Underline news!

PRESENTATIONS

CONFERENCES

COMPANY

RESOURCES