Female Underrepresentation on Surgical Panels at Urology Conferences

What is it about?

The study examined the representation of women asked to speak specifically on surgical topics at the largest urological conferences in Europe and the USA. The objectives were to assess female speaker representation on surgical topics at major urological conferences and to analyze the demographics of the speakers that may influence speaker selection. The study found that the number of female urologists has been increasing in many countries, but female representation at conferences is still lower than males. The representation of women speaking on surgical topics at the AUA and EAU urological conferences was consistent with the percentage of currently practicing female urologists, overall. However, the number of surgical manels continues to be high, with more than four of five surgical panels being manels.

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Why is it important?

The research examines the representation of female speakers on surgical topics at the largest urological conferences in Europe and the USA from 2017 to 2020. The study found that female representation at conferences is increasing, but there is still a significant gender imbalance, with manels dominating urology meetings. The study also found that women are selected to speak less often when the topic focuses on surgical technique and that males will speak more often than females with similar qualifications. The research highlights the need for a more diverse and inclusive approach to selecting speakers for conferences to ensure that women are given equal opportunities to present their work and contribute to the field of urology. Key Takeaways: 1. Female representation at conferences is increasing, but there is still a significant gender imbalance, with manels dominating urology meetings. 2. Women are selected to speak less often when the topic focuses on surgical technique and that males will speak more often than females with similar qualifications. 3. The research highlights the need for a more diverse and inclusive approach to selecting speakers for conferences to ensure that women are given equal opportunities to present their work and contribute to the field of urology.