Representation of Female Vascular Surgeons in National Clinical Trial Leadership

Female vascular surgeons (VS) constitute 14.6% of the workforce. Despite an increased pipeline female VS, representation in leadership positions nationally has not maintained pace. We hypothesized that fewer VS lead clinical trials United States for several conditions germane to specialty. Clinical registered were reviewed using ClinicalTrials.gov index conditions: abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid disease, hemodialysis access, and venous thrombectomy/stenting. The specialty gender national principal investigator (PI) recorded based on personal knowledge internet review pronouns usage. There 114 AAA led by 146 PI. Of these, 79 120 (111 male; 9 female). One hundred thirty-eight had 157 PIs. Only 27 38 (33 5 93 PI listed, which 21 25 (24 1 Twenty-six thrombectomy/stenting 42 with 7 13 (11 2 When comparing vs non-VS trials, was male 91.3% 83.1%, respectively (P = .01). For VS-led solo 8/100 trials. multiple included 5/34 (mixed 4/34 1/34 all co-PIs), co-PI accounted 29/34. 58 industry-sponsored (38 AAA, 10 4 6 disease), PIs 91.4% (53/58) 89.5% (68/76) nonindustry-sponsored .71). no investigators. Trials common often more likely have a than only 8% Lack diversity inclusion surgery suggests need sponsorship allyship increase numbers leaders. It further highlights is lagging behind other specialties this important, overlooked, area classically associated diversity, equity, differences. Further, it call action our leaders as well industry partners evaluate these important initiatives.