Investigating gender demographics and equity among hematologists.

Abstract

1630 Background: Despite a substantial number of women in the field of hematology, representation in leadership roles remains inconsistent with ~50% of women among medical graduates in many countries. This survey of hematologists sought to examine gender demographics and explore experiences with professional development including mentorship, involvement in and leadership of clinical trials, and opportunities for career advancement. Methods: An international online survey of hematologists was developed collaboratively with the Women in Lymphoma (WiL) global organization in partnership with the HERmatology initiative (AstraZeneca). It was distributed to and by the membership of WiL. All participants were licensed medical practitioners, self-characterized on gender, age, years of practice, country of practice, and seniority of role. Statistical differences between males and females were calculated by pairwise z-tests with a significance level of 90%. Results: From October to December 2024, 237 hematologists from 34 countries were surveyed: 182 female and 55 male. The proportion of females to males in hematology practices significantly favored females (53% [51, 56] vs. 47% [44, 49]). Heads of Department (60% [55, 66] vs. 40% [35, 45]) and direct supervisors (59% [54, 64] vs. 41% [36, 46]) were significantly more likely to be male. Females reported serving as Principal Investigator significantly less frequently for industry-sponsored clinical trials over the past 12 months than males (2.1 vs 0.9, p < 0.1), but no significant differences as a Site Investigator (3.4 vs 2.4, p = 0.2). No differences were observed in female vs. male participation or leadership in cooperative group / academic clinical trials. There was a trend for fewer female physicians invited to write an article or publication in the past 12 months compared to males (2.7 vs. 4.2, p = 0.15), as well as fewer opportunities to receive public recognition from a senior colleague (1.1 vs. 1.9, p = 0.15). Females overall were significantly less likely to have clinical (p < 0.1) or career mentors (p < 0.1), but earlier-career females were more likely than later-career females to have both (p < 0.1). ‘Family or caregiving responsibilities’ was the top factor discouraging women from pursuing careers in hematology (86% agreed), followed by a ‘Lack of representation of women in leadership positions’ (59% agreed). Conclusions: Differences were noted between males and females across several career dimensions, including representation in leadership roles, involvement in industry-sponsored clinical trials, and access to mentorship. These results underscore the continued need for systematic efforts to reduce unconscious bias and promote greater diversity within hematology. Providing additional structured support, particularly to boost female leadership in industry-sponsored trials, will help advance gender equity, ultimately benefiting both medical progress and patient outcomes.