Academic Medicine Open Forum

As the director for gender equity initiatives at the AAMC, I think about women's progress in academic medicine every day. As of 2023, women were the majority of applicants, matriculants, and graduates at U.S. medical schools. These data, coupled with increases in the percentage of women represented among faculty, mid-level leaders, and decanal leaders, illustrate a positive trend toward a state in which people of all genders have equal access to resources, opportunities, and participation in academic medicine. The growing representation of women in academic medicine continues to reflect the investment institutions have made in gender equity over the past few decades and the intentional efforts of individuals and offices related to women's advancement.  

While significant gaps and challenges remain, it's important to celebrate this progress and continue to support institutions in their efforts to recruit and graduate students with a broad range of skills, experiences, and viewpoints to ensure the providers, educators, and leaders of tomorrow are well-equipped to provide care and improve health outcomes for all communities.  

Explore the 2024 State of Women in Academic Medicine Report and join the AAMC in celebrating some of the landmark moments, dramatic efforts, and brave pioneers that together tell the story of women in medicine in the United States.  

You can learn more about current AAMC resources to assist institutions in advancing gender equity and women in academic medicine by visiting https://www.aamc.org/about-us/equity-diversity-inclusion/advancing-gender-equity-academic-medicine.