Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The number of publications on the subject of diversity, equity, and inclusion has surged in the last 5 years. However, a systematic review of this topic has not been published.

Method: Six top plastic surgery journals were queried from 2018 to 2023 using the search term "diversity." Methods, conclusions, and recommendations were tabulated.

Results: A total of 138 publications were identified; 68 studies presented data suitable for analysis. All studies were retrospective. Currently, over 40% of plastic surgery residency applicants are women. The proportion of women in integrated plastic surgery residents is now 43%. In 2021 and 2022, the percentage of female first-year residents exceeded men. The percentage of female presenters at meetings (34%) is double the number in the workforce (17%). Twenty-five percent of academic faculty positions and 22% of program director positions are now held by women. Underrepresented minorities account for fewer than 10% of applicants to integrated plastic surgery residencies.

Discussion: The proportion of Black and Hispanic applicants to integrated plastic surgery residencies (6% and 8%, respectively) mirrors the proportion of Black and Hispanic medical students (7% and 6%, respectively). Numerous recommendations have been made to increase the proportion of underrepresented minorities in plastic surgery programs.

Conclusions: The representation of women in plastic surgery has increased dramatically. A lack of Hispanics and Blacks reflects a small pool of applicants, as opposed to a "leaky pipeline."