Women in surgery: do we really understand the deterrents?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Gender Studies in Medicine

Background:

• Historically, women have been underrepresented in surgical fields.
• Factors influencing career choices for women in medicine are complex and multifactorial.
• Understanding deterrents is crucial for promoting gender equity in surgical specialties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the perceived deterrents influencing women's decisions regarding surgical careers.
• To compare the factors deterring men and women from pursuing surgery.
• To identify specific barriers that may disproportionately affect women in surgical training.

Main Methods:

• A survey-based study was conducted at a university teaching hospital.
• Participants included attending physicians, residents, and medical students in surgery and obstetrics/gynecology.
• A questionnaire assessed potential deterrents to a surgical career.

Main Results:

• Initial interest in surgery was similar between men and women; mentorship development was also comparable.
• Women reported higher rates of perceived sex discrimination and were less deterred by workload or family concerns.
• Deterrents unique to women included perceptions of the "surgical personality" and an "old boys' club" culture.

Conclusions:

• Men and women share similar priorities when considering a surgical career.
• Lifestyle, workload, and lack of role models are not primary sex-specific deterrents.
• Perceived "surgical personality" and the prevailing surgical culture represent significant, sex-specific barriers for women entering surgery.