Gender differences in academic surgery, work-life balance, and satisfaction

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Surgical sciences
• Gender studies in medicine

Background:

• Increasing number of women in surgical careers.
• Rising prevalence of dual-profession partnerships among surgeons.
• Need to evaluate gender-specific challenges in surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess gender differences in professional advancement.
• To evaluate work-life balance disparities.
• To examine career satisfaction among surgeons.

Main Methods:

• Survey of surgical trainees and faculty at an academic medical center.
• Data collection on gender, academic rank, marital status, family size, household responsibilities, and career satisfaction.
• Statistical analysis using Student t-test, Fisher's exact test, and chi-square test.

Main Results:

• Women surgeons were more likely to be married to full-time working professionals.
• Women faculty were less likely to be on a tenure track.
• Women surgeons reported primary responsibility for childcare, meal, grocery, and vacation planning.

Conclusions:

• Women surgeons face unique challenges due to partnerships and household management.
• Gender disparities in household responsibilities persist.
• Strategies for surgeon recruitment and retention should address these identified barriers.