Diversity and Inclusion: a Snapshot of the Academic Neurology Workforce

Objective: Diversity and inclusion constitute core markers of excellence and necessary elements to improve healthcare equity. Background: The AAN 2018 Diversity Leadership Program cohort investigated the existence of racial/ethnic- and gender-associated disparities in academic neurology. Design/Methods: We extracted data from the 2018 AAMC report and the US Census Bureau. The demographic characteristics of the general US population and US Medical School enrollees, graduates, and neurology faculty were compared. Academic neurologists were subdivided based on rank, tenure status, completion of advanced education (MD plus another doctoral degree) and leadership role (department chair). Results are presented as percentages and ratios. Significance was determined using Chi square or ANOVA. Results: There were 91391 medical school enrollees, 19553 graduates, and 6078 neurology faculty. The percentage of blacks in the general population, medical school enrollees, graduates, and neurology faculty decreased progressively from 13% to 2% (R2=0.80). Similarly, the percentage of Hispanics/Latinos decreased from 18% to 3% (R2=0.94). Among the neurology faculty, whites were more likely than Hispanics/Latinos and blacks to have advanced education (19% vs. 13% vs. 10%; p Conclusions: Significant disparities exist in academic neurology. Females, Hispanics/Latinos and blacks do not achieve the same degree of professional advancement as white males. Disclosure: Dr. Gutierrez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Porter has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Boston biomedical data safety monitoring board. Dr. Ajiboye has nothing to disclose. Dr. Armstrong has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mejia has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for the Neurology journal.Dr. Spencer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sur has received research support from StrokeNet NIH Grant. Dr. Williams Roberson has received research support from Masimo Corporation. Dr. Wint has nothing to disclose. Dr. Testai has nothing to disclose.