Exploring Gender-Based Barriers in Physician Assistant Educator Authorship: Insights From a Physician Assistant Author Survey
Publication type
journal article
Publication date
July 24, 2025
Author(s)
Lolar, Sara
Ehrman, Robert R.
Messman, Anne M.
Garino, Alexandria
Language
English
Discipline(s)
Abstract
Introduction
Gender disparities in academic publishing hinder career advancement and limit diverse contributions in the physician assistant (PA) profession. Although many female PA educators publish successfully, the barriers they face remain underexplored. This study examined the challenges and facilitators of female authorship to inform strategies that promote equity in scholarly productivity.
Methods
First and last PA authors of
Journal of Physician Assistant Education (JPAE)
research articles (2014–2022) were identified. Identified authors were invited to participate in a survey, which was adapted, piloted among 8 faculty members, and distributed through Qualtrics. Descriptive statistics and inferential tests were applied.
Results
Among 177 unique PA authors, 69% identified as female. The response rate was 47%. Women had a median age of 49 years (IQR 44–60), compared with 55 years (IQR 41–64) for men. More men (40%) held full professor rank than women (20%). Women reported fewer first-author or last-author publications, lower levels of institutional support, and more frequent authorship conflicts (37% vs. 7.7%,
P
< .001), with 24% of women experiencing repeated disputes.
Discussion
Despite similar educational backgrounds, men held higher academic ranks and published more frequently. Women reported lower institutional support, which may contribute to disparities in research productivity. Authorship conflicts may further hinder female publication success and affect future collaborations. Addressing biases, improving collaboration, and ensuring equitable institutional support are essential for fostering gender equity in PA faculty advancement.
Part of
The Journal of Physician Assistant Education
ISSN
1941-9449
Volume
36
Issue
4