Abstract Details

Title Contemporary Representation of African American Female Physicians in Vascular Neurology Clinical Leadership Positions

Topic History of Neurology

Presentation(s) P11 - Poster Session 11 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 1-002

Background Despite the increased availability of subspecialty opportunities since vascular neurology was recognized as a fellowship in 2005, Black and Hispanic physicians remain underrepresented at the assistant, associate, and full professor level within neurology. Several studies have shown that patients who identify as part of a minoritized population report more positive healthcare experiences when receiving care from someone who similarly identifies as part of that minoritized group.

Objective Since the CDC reports highest prevalence of stroke amongst Black females per the National Health Survey, we aim to understand the current balance of representation of Black female physicians in clinical leadership roles in stroke care in order to demonstrate the importance of programs that promote diversity and enhance the career pipeline in the stroke field for under-represented groups.

Design/Methods We conducted an internet search using the American Heart Association’s “Know Before You Go” online resource for the location of stroke centers and determined whether any physicians that self-identified as a Black or African American female physician served as the director of a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) on the website accessed June 2021.

Results Based on our search, out of 221 CSCs, we only identified one physician who met our criterion: Dr. Sherita Chapman, co-director of the University of Virginia’s Comprehensive Stroke Service and co-chair of the Virginia Stroke Systems Task Force (VSSTF). We were fortunate to have interviewed Dr. Chapman in order to gain perspective into her experiences as a Black woman navigating the pipeline into vascular neurology.

Conclusions Fortunately, several programs have already been developed to address the need for enhanced diversity within neurology. We hope that highlighting discrepancies in representation will serve to encourage the development of more programs and bolster the current initiatives designed to motivate more underrepresented minorities to seek careers in stroke and enhance representation in leadership positions.

Authors/Disclosures
Melanie Marcille (University of Florida) PRESENTER	Ms. Marcille has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Sherita Chapman, MD (University of Virginia)	Dr. Chapman has received personal compensation in the range of $100,000-$499,999 for serving as a Stroke Section Chief with VA Medical Center.
Alison L. Christy, MD, PhD, FAAN	Dr. Christy has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Azurity. Dr. Christy has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for SAGE Publishing. Dr. Christy has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for MDLinx. Dr. Christy has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for MDLinx. The institution of Dr. Christy has received research support from Biohaven. The institution of Dr. Christy has received research support from Novartis / Amgen. The institution of Dr. Christy has received research support from Eli Lilly. The institution of Dr. Christy has received research support from Abbvie. The institution of Dr. Christy has received research support from Eli Lilly.
Richard T. Benson, MD, PhD, FAAN (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)	Dr. Benson has received personal compensation in the range of $100,000-$499,999 for serving as a Federal employee with HHS/NIH.
Alexis N. Simpkins, MD, PhD, MSCR, FAAN (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Dept of Neurology)	Dr. Simpkins has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Data Safety Monitoring Board. Dr. Simpkins has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology. The institution of Dr. Simpkins has received research support from NIH/NIA. The institution of Dr. Simpkins has received research support from Bristol-Meyer Squibb Foundation. Dr. Simpkins has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.