Addressing gender inequality in our disciplines: Report from the association of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep division chiefs

Despite the increasing proportion of women in U.S. medical schools, there are relatively few women in leadership positions, and a number of recent publications have highlighted many factors that could contribute to gender inequity and inequality in medicine. The Association of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Division Directors, an organization of Division Directors from across the United States, convened a workshop to review data and obtain input from leaders on the state of gender equity in our field. The workshop identified a number of factors that could contribute to gender inequality and inequity: gender climate (including implicit and perceived biases); disproportionate family responsibilities; lack of women in leadership positions; poor retention of women; and lack of gender equality in compensation. The panel members developed a roadmap of concrete recommendations for societies, leaders, and individuals that should promote gender equity to achieve gender equality and improve retention of women in the field of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.