Diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical education journals: An evaluation of editorial board composition

Abstract

Purpose of the article

As editorial boards (EBs) of medical education journals (MEJs) hold substantial control over framing current medical education scholarship, we aimed to evaluate representation of women as well as geographic and socioeconomic diversity on EBs of these journals.

Materials and methods

In our cross-sectional study, Composite Editorial Board Diversity Score (CEBDS) was used to evaluate diversity at gender, geographic region, and country income level. Websites of MEJs were screened for relevant information. Job titles were categorized into 3 editorial roles and data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results

Out of 42 MEJs, 19 journals (45.2%) were published from the Global South. Among 1219 editors, 57.5% were men. Out of 46 editors in chief (EICs), 34.7% were women, and 60.9% were based in high income countries. No EIC belonged to low-income country. The proportion of female advisory board members was found to be positively correlated with the presence of a female EIC. Moreover, 2 journals achieved the maximum CEBDS. All editors belonged to the same World Bank income group and geographic region for 12 and 8 journals respectively.

Conclusions

In order to allow a truly global perspective in medical education to prevail, diversity and inclusivity on these journals become important parameters to address. Thus, promoting policies centered on improving diversity in all aspects should become a top priority.

Keywords:

• Medical education
• multiculturalism
• gender equity
• leadership

Acknowledgements

The results of this study were presented as an ePoster in the AMEE Lyon 2022 hybrid conference held between August 27, 2022, to August 31, 2022. The ePoster won 3^rd prize in the ePoster Competition and can be read here: https://api.ltb.io/show/ABOUF

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Muhammad Romail Manan

Dr. Muhammad Romail Manan, MBBS, BSc, is a junior doctor currently working in the Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology at Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. He also serves on the editorial team of the 'International Journal of Medical Students' as a student editor. He is particularly interested in issues pertaining to racial and gender-based disparities in access to opportunities as well as the representation of historically underrepresented groups in the academic sector.

Iqra Nawaz

Iqra Nawaz, MBBS (c), is currently a final year medical student at Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. She holds a specific interest in the representation of individuals, especially women, belonging to low and lower-middle-income countries on global forums of discussion and decision-making.

Sara Rahman

Sara Rahman, MBBS (c), is a 4th year medical student at the Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Pakistan. Her interests include the application of principles of evidence-based practice as well as the implementation of competency-based learning in the health education system of Pakistan.

Hamna Manan

Dr. Hamna Manan, MBBS, BSc, is a junior doctor currently working at Masood Hospital, Pakistan. She is a graduate of Allama Iqbal Medical College and has completed her internship at Jinnah Hospital, Pakistan. She holds a particular interest in global access to education and the representation of women in leadership positions.