316 The impact of COVID-19 on gender representation in academic dermatology publications

COVID-19 has disproportionately affected female academics, where publications by women authors in many fields have decreased during the pandemic. This trend yet to be examined dermatology. We surveyed recent representation of total authors, first (FFA), and senior (FSA, a potential indicator career advancement) dermatologic literature. Publications from five top h-index Web Science dermatology journals (Journal Investigative Dermatology, Journal American Academy JAMA Dermatologic Surgery, Lasers Surgery Medicine) were analyzed. Genderize.io predicted binary gender author name. Surprisingly, proportion authorship increased 44% (2018) 46% (2020), similarly for FFA (2018: 46%, 2019: 48%, 2020: 53%) FSA 38%, 40%). Many possible explanations exist this trend. The board-certified grown substantially years, possibly exceeding any detrimental impact COVID-19. Decreased patient capacity at clinics, suspension elective procedures, prominent shift telemedicine may provide more time research. Our study was limited influential journals, prediction using genderize.io's database. Due indexing delays, some 2020-indexed been generated before pandemic, necessitating further study. While it is promising that data suggests proportional contributions lead percentages are still lagging behind, corroborating patterns underrepresentation faculty positions ongoing disparities research funding academic promotion. Future analysis discussion will necessary strengthen support dermatologists.