Other. #120 Members of the american college of epidemiology: Are we making progress toward diversity goals?

摘要

PURPOSE: A longstanding goal of ACE is to develop and maintain a vital membership base representing all aspects of epidemiology, and anecdotal evidence suggests progress. The objective of this study was to quantify possible changes in the diversity of the ACE membership.METHODS: Members were divided into two groups: a) member as of 1/1/01, and b) new member between 1/2/01 and 3/15/02. The two groups were compared using descriptive statistics. Proportions are reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI).RESULTS: As of 1/1/01, there were 859 active members. Over the next 15 months, an additional 93 members joined the College. Compared with members on 1/1/01, new members were younger (54 vs. 42 years, respectively; p < 0.001). However, the two groups did not differ by gender (66% vs. 66% male) or by race/ethnicity (86% vs. 81% white; p = 0.42). The majority of both groups reside in the US (92% vs. 87%; p = 0.63). Existing members' top areas of research expertise (up to 5 choices per member) were cancer (29%; 95% CI, 26-32%), methods (22%; 95% CI, 20-25%), environmental (21%; 95% CI, 18-24%), and infectious disease (19%; 95% CI, 16-21). New members were less likely to report expertise in cancer (29% vs. 18%; p = 0.03) and environmental (21% vs 10%; p = 0.01) epidemiology, but did not differ in methods or infectious disease; new members were more likely to report expertise in cardiovascular, dental, drug, eye, geriatric, and hospital areas of research expertise (all p < 0.05). University or academic position was the most commonly reported current place of employment but was less common among new members (45% vs. 31%; p = 0.009); new members were more likely to hold consulting positions (4% vs. 11%; p = 0.001).CONCLUSION: Although long-term trends may be favorable, we observed no increase in gender and race/ethnic diversity in 2001. The College is attracting younger epidemiologists, however, and has become more diverse in its range of research expertise and employment settings.