Women surgeons: a national survey

In order to add to the data on women surgeons as well as to clarify concerns raised in the literature, a questionnaire survey of fully trained women surgeons was conducted between 1983 and 1986. The 386 responses were analyzed and the results are presented here. Findings show that women surgeons are young (median age 37), board certified (77%), and practicing in varied settings. They work a median of 60 hours per week, are progressing academically (54% assistant, 20% associate, and 7% full professors), and are involved in professional organizations (98%). They feel that their family responsibilities have enhanced their lives and benefited their careers. The majority (88%) would choose to be surgeons again. Worrisome findings warranting further investigation are the disparity in earnings between male and female surgeons and the gender related problems still experienced by significant numbers of women during the application and residency process. Additional studies are needed to define and clarify the career patterns of women surgeons.