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Why are women deterred from general surgery training?
Jason Park1, Sam Minor, Rebecca Anne Taylor
1Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3A 1R9. j.park@utoronto.ca
American Journal of Surgery
|June 24, 2005
Summary
Female students face gender discrimination and lack role models in general surgery (GS) residency. Addressing these barriers and improving perceptions of GS lifestyle is crucial for attracting more women to the field.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Residency Programs
- Gender Studies in Medicine
Background:
- Investigated factors contributing to low application rates by female students to general surgery (GS) residency.
- Examined perceptions of GS careers among students and practicing female surgeons.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify barriers deterring women from GS residency.
- Compare student and surgeon perceptions of GS, particularly regarding lifestyle and family.
- Inform strategies to increase female representation in GS.
Main Methods:
- Distributed surveys to final-year medical students at four institutions.
- Surveyed all female general surgeons across Canada.
- Analyzed survey data to identify trends and differences in perceptions and experiences.
Main Results:
- Female students were less likely to have same-sex role models and more likely to experience gender discrimination in GS rotations compared to men.
- Female students perceived GS as incompatible with family life, marriage, and children.
- Female surgeons reported more positive career and lifestyle perceptions than students.
Conclusions:
- Both actual discrimination and perceived lifestyle challenges deter women from GS.
- Lack of female role models and gender-based discrimination are significant real barriers.
- Perceptual gaps between students and surgeons regarding work-life balance in GS need to be addressed to encourage female applicants.