Gender Disparities in the Career of Neurology Researchers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess gender disparities in neurology researcher careers in the United States. METHODS: A 34-question survey was distributed to 4,644 US-based American Academy of Neurology members who self-identified as researchers in 2020 addressing the following domains: research and funding, scholarly activities, COVID-19 impact, and local institutional climate. RESULTS: 700 (15%) individuals completed the survey (women, n=231; men, n=426), with 71% White and >80% conducting research. Women respondents were significantly younger than men, more likely to be assistant professors (32% vs 21%) and less likely to be full professors (18% vs 39%). Compared to men, women received equivalent grants and research support and had comparable or additional formal research training and mentorship. Women had less middle author publications (mean 5.8 [SD 9.2] vs mean 8.2 [SD 11.8], p=0.03) compared to men, but similar first or last author publications (mean 4.3[5.4] vs. 6.1 [9.8], p=0.05). A lower proportion of women presented research at grand rounds or at a national/international conference compared to men (58% vs 69%, p=0.01). Women spent more time in non-professional responsibilities, were less satisfied with their work/life balance and were less likely to agree with statements addressing equity/diversity and institutional climate. Respondents shared their concerns regarding how the pandemic was affecting neurology research careers, with a higher proportion of women reporting that family responsibilities affected research activities and lead to delayed submission of non-COVID-19 related manuscripts. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey of U.S. based neurology researchers demonstrated continued gender-based disparities in academic rank, manuscript authorship, and invited speaking engagements, though funding opportunities and access to additional training were equivalent. Women were less likely than men to agree that neurology departments support diversity and equity and that the institutional climate was inclusive and transparent. The pandemic had affected both genders in research, but areas were different for women related to family responsibilities. This paper also highlights additional areas of research and areas for intervention to improve and reduce gender disparities among neurology researchers.

Long-COVID postural tachycardia syndrome: an American Autonomic Society statement.

COVID-19 is a global pandemic that has had a devastating effect on the health and economy of much of human civilization. While the acute impacts of COVID-19 were the initial focus of concern, it is becoming clear that in the wake of COVID-19, many patients are developing chronic symptoms that have been called Long-COVID. Some of the symptoms and signs include those of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Understanding and managing long-COVID POTS will require a significant infusion of health care resources and a significant additional research investment. In this document from the American Autonomic Society, we outline the scope of the problem, and the resources and research needed to properly address the impact of Long-COVID POTS.

Autonomic function testing in the COVID-19 pandemic: an American Autonomic Society position statement.

COVID-19 is a global pandemic that is wreaking havoc with the health and economy of much of human civilization. In this document from the American Autonomic Society, we identify the potential risks of exposure to patients, physicians, and allied healthcare staff. We provide guidance for conducting autonomic function testing safely in this environment.