CME OnDemand: 2022 AOFAS Annual Meeting-A 10-Year Review of Designated Leadership Positions of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS)

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The study reviewed the gender representation in designated leadership positions of the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) from 2012 to 2022. The study aimed to assess whether an increase in female representation within the society translated to representation within different levels of the organization and the average time to presidency for female members. The data showed that female involvement at the committee level within the AOFAS is increasing at a faster pace than their male counterparts, indicating active engagement of females in the organization. However, the raw numbers are still small, and ongoing efforts are needed to ensure further growth and diversity within the organization.<br /><br />The study also found that the percentage of female AOFAS members increased from 7.5% in 2012 to 13% in 2021, while the percentage of male members slightly decreased. The time from membership initiation to AOFAS presidency for the one past female president was 17 years, which is similar to the average time for male presidents. These findings suggest that although progress has been made in attracting more female members to the society, there is still room for improvement in terms of leadership opportunities and representation at higher positions.<br /><br />The study highlights the importance of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the AOFAS. The inception of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Women's Subcommittee demonstrates a continued emphasis on these values within the society. It is crucial for the AOFAS to bring awareness to the gender representation issue and encourage further participation and leadership opportunities that are more diverse and inclusive. Overall, the study sheds light on the current gender dynamics within the AOFAS and the need for continued efforts to promote gender equality in orthopedic surgery leadership positions.

Asset Subtitle

Bopha Chrea, MD, A. Holly Johnson, MD, Judith Baumhauer, MD, Amanda Holleran, MD, Lara C. Atwater, MD, Selina Poon, MD

Keywords

gender representation

leadership positions

AOFAS

female involvement

diversity and inclusion

membership percentage

leadership opportunities

gender dynamics

orthopedic surgery