Abstract: TH-PO1001
Gender Equity in Nephrology: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Session Information
- Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
November 06, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Gholizadeh Ghozloujeh, Zohreh, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, United States
- Ebrahimi, Niloufar, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, United States
- Kalra, Kartik, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, United States
- Shah, Silvi, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Java, Anuja, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
- Mashayekhi, Mahtab, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, United States
- Meena, Priti, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, India
- Abdi Pour, Amir, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, United States
- Norouzi, Sayna, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, United States
Background
Despite growing gender diversity in the nephrology workforce, disparities in advancement, compensation, and leadership remain underrecognized and insufficiently addressed. Female nephrologists often face limited mentorship, inadequate institutional support, and disproportionate caregiving burdens during formative career stages. Yet few studies have explored how nephrologists perceive gender equity within the profession. Understanding these perceptions is critical to shaping inclusive policies and accountability structures.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional, survey-based study using a validated 28-item instrument assessing self-reported experiences across five domains: workplace inclusivity, leadership and promotion, compensation and negotiation, family and caregiving responsibilities, and professional development barriers. Responses were analyzed descriptively with gender-based comparisons.
Results
Among 173 respondents (53.8% women), the mean age was 41.2 years for women and 43.7 years for men. 66% had been in practice for ≤10 yrs, consistent with early to mid-career stages. Women were significantly more likely to report gender-based career barriers (43.0% vs. 13.9%), leadership bias (70.9% vs. 50.0%), and having their contributions underestimated (60.7% vs. 16.7%). Only 12.9% of women rated the field “very supportive” of their gender, compared to 60.3% of men. Perceived salary equity was lower among women (39.8% vs. 75.6%), as was access to research support (35.0% vs. 13.3%). Women were also more likely to express uncertainty or skip leadership-related questions (28.0% vs. 8.8%) and to cite caregiving and employer support as barriers to conference participation.
Conclusion
Gender-based disparities in perceived equity remain entrenched across advancement, compensation, and research access. These structural barriers disproportionately impact women in nephrology. Addressing them will require inclusive policies, equitable mentorship, and institutional accountability.