Changes and challenges for women in academic obstetrics and gynecology.

In obstetrics and gynecology, more than 60% of current residents and 36% of medical school faculty are women. However, fewer than 10% of professors and only a small number of department chairs and organizational leaders are women. This paper reviews the data on the growing number of women in obstetrics and gynecology, and in medicine in general, during the past 25 years. It reviews some of the challenges that women have faced and some strategies to enhance equitable opportunities.