Abstract Details

Title Gender Disparities in Neurology Research

Topic Education, Research, and Methodology

Presentation(s) S34 - Research Methodology and Education (1:12 PM-1:24 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 002

Background The role of gender disparities in neurologists performing research is not well understood. Studies in other fields show lower publication rates and less clinical trial leadership positions in academic physician women. Studies have also shown that COVID impacted women physicians differently (worse) than men. The purpose of this project was to study gender disparities perceived by researchers in neurology in the US as reported by American Academy of Neurology (AAN) survey respondents in 2020.

Objective To assess gender disparities in neurology research in the United States.

Design/Methods A 34-question survey was distributed to 4,644 US-based American Academy of Neurology members who self-identified as researchers in 2020 addressing the following domains: research and funding, scholarly activities, COVID-19 impact, and local institutional climate.

Results 700 (15%) (women, n=231; men, n=426) completed the survey , with 71% White and >80% conducting research. Women respondents were significantly younger than men and more likely to be assistant professors (32% vs 21%). Compared to men, women received equivalent grants/research support and had comparable formal research training and mentorship. Women had less middle author publications (mean 5.8 [SD 9.2] vs mean 8.2 [SD 11.8], p=0.03) compared to men. A lower proportion of women presented research at grand rounds or at a national/international conference compared to men (58% vs 69%, p=0.01). Women spent more time in non-professional responsibilities, were less satisfied with their work/life balance and were less likely to agree with statements addressing equity/diversity and institutional climate. A higher proportion of women reported that family responsibilities during COVID affected research activities and lead to delayed submission of non-COVID related manuscripts.

Conclusions

Our survey of U.S. based neurology researchers demonstrated gender-based disparities in multiple areas of academic neurology. COVID also differentially affected women researchers. This paper highlights areas of research and opportunities for interventions to improve and reduce gender disparities among neurology researchers.

Authors/Disclosures
Deborah Hall, MD, PhD, FAAN (Rush University) PRESENTER	Dr. Hall has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Hall has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Elsevier - Parkinsonism and Related Disorders. Dr. Hall has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Annals of Neurology. The institution of Dr. Hall has received research support from Parkinson's Foundation. The institution of Dr. Hall has received research support from CHDI. The institution of Dr. Hall has received research support from Neurocrine. The institution of Dr. Hall has received research support from Uniqure. The institution of Dr. Hall has received research support from SAGE. The institution of Dr. Hall has received research support from NIH.
Carolyn Cahill (American Academy of Neurology)	Ms. Cahill has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of The American Academy of Neurology. Ms. Cahill has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Regions Hospital.
Ana-Claire L. Meyer, MD, FAAN (Denali Therapeutics)	Dr. Meyer has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Denali Therapeutics.
Amanda C. Peltier, MD, MS (Vanderbilt University)	Dr. Peltier has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Alnylam. Dr. Peltier has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Akcea. Dr. Peltier has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of CSL Behring. Dr. Peltier has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Catalyst. Dr. Peltier has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Akcea. Dr. Peltier has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Alnylam. Dr. Peltier has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Csl Behring. Dr. Peltier has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Catalyst. Dr. Peltier has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Akcea. Dr. Peltier has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for CSL Behring. Dr. Peltier has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for catalyst. The institution of Dr. Peltier has received research support from NIH.
Marisela E. Dy-Hollins, MD, MSCR, FAAN (Massachusetts General Hospital)	The institution of Dr. Dy-Hollins has received research support from CNCDP-K12.
Myla D. Goldman, MD, MSC, FAAN (Virginia Commonwealth University)	Dr. Goldman has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for EMD Seronon. Dr. Goldman has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biogen, IDEC. Dr. Goldman has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Genzyme. Dr. Goldman has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Genentec. Dr. Goldman has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for ADAMAS. Dr. Goldman has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Immunic. Dr. Goldman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novartis Pharmceuticals. Dr. Goldman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Greenwich Biosciences. Dr. Goldman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Merk. Dr. Goldman has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics Ltd., .