Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 3, 2025
03:07
Single-Port Robotic-assisted Transaxillary Breast-conserving Surgery: A Prospective, Single-arm, Non-randomized Phase IIa Clinical Trial
Published on: August 19, 2025
528
Gender Differences in Cardiothoracic Surgery Interest Among General Surgery Applicants
Vanessa M Miller1, Luz A Padilla1, William B Swicord1
1Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|October 31, 2020
Summary
Women show significantly less interest in cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) careers compared to men. Early exposure and mentorship are crucial to address this gender gap in CTS.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Specialties
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Despite overall narrowing gender gaps in medicine, cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) remains male-dominated, with women comprising only 7% of practicing surgeons and 20% of residents.
- Significant gender disparities persist in cardiothoracic surgery (CTS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify gender differences in cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) exposure and interest among fourth-year medical students applying to general surgery residency.
- Investigate factors influencing career choices in CTS among medical students.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous surveys were distributed to general surgery residency applicants during the 2019 and 2020 application cycles.
- Survey data were stratified by gender and analyzed using chi-squared and t-tests.
Main Results:
- Men were 2.5 times more likely than women to be interested in a CTS career.
- Fewer women had rotated through CTS (44% vs. 55% for men) or shadowed CTS surgeons (29% vs. 41% for men).
- Mentorship was identified as a key factor for women interested in CTS, and both mentorship and CTS rotations were independently associated with interest.
Conclusions:
- A concerningly low interest in cardiothoracic surgery among women requires intervention.
- Increasing early exposure to CTS and enhancing mentorship opportunities are vital to attract more women to the field.
- Further research is needed to understand barriers to female participation in CTS rotations and careers.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
953
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
953
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
155
Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
155