comfortable with men. That’s kind of a subtle effect. Assertiveness is often an asset in a man, but it may be problematic in a woman. I believe that when men work for a woman, they very quickly will try to go over her head to the next man. Whether they succeed depends on the sophistication of the woman’s boss.

How can professional societies help? An example is the one I will be leading as its president next year. The American Association for Cancer Research [AACR] has a membership of about 12,000 men and about 5,000 women; 68 percent are Ph.D.’s and 24 percent are M.D.’s. Like in academic medical centers, women make up a higher share (41 percent) of associate members (those who do not yet have academic appointments), almost double that of active members (see Figure 1). So it certainly looks like the pipeline is full.

The AACR has had a Women in Cancer Research Council for decades that is made up of 1,491 women, almost half of the women in the AACR, and 113 men (it’s kind of like the Marines, a few good men). Many more people come to the lectures and workshops than are actually in the group. There are breakfasts specifically for the trainees, mentoring programs for both trainees and mid-level

FIGURE 1 Membership of American Association of Cancer Research, by gender.

SOURCE: American Association of Cancer Research.