Background

Data on gender or racial/ethnic disparity of the metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) workforce and leadership is lacking. Current Association for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) membership demographics include 18.1% female, and 44%, 21.8%, 14.6% and 3.8% self-designated White, Asian, Hispanic, and Black members, respectively. While the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) was established in 2012, medical director demographics is unknown.ObjectiveTo determine disparities among MBSAQIP directors.SettingMBSAQIP medical directors.

Methods

A 20-question survey was administered to MBSAQIP directors, capturing information on demographics, practice type and location, bariatric volume, MBSAQIP designation, compensation, and compensation type. Descriptive analysis was by Chi square tests, and independent associations determined by multivariate regression models using R Statistical Software (version 4.2.2).

Results

Response rate was 30.3% (n=274/904). Most directors were male (81%), >= 50-years (59.5%), and White (61%). The oldest directors were most commonly male (96.4%, p=0.007) and White (79.6%, p=0.003). Gender disparity exists across age groups (p0.007) with male predominance in the >60-years age group. Gender disparity also exist across race/ethnicity (p0.046), with Hispanic (2%) and Black (2%) females least represented. Most (65.6%) received compensation, primarily as an annual stipend (55.8%). Hispanic (OR 0.40, CI:0.15-0.97) and female (OR 0.47, CI:0.21-0.98) directors were least likely compensated. Older male directors more commonly received annual stipend compensation (OR 3.22, CI:1.21-9.27), while Black (OR 0.22, CI:0.04-0.85) and female (OR0.29, CI:0.12-0.69) did not.

Conclusions

Women and Black/Hispanic directors are underrepresented in MBSAQIP leadership, with evidence of gender and racial/ethnic compensation disparity.