Gender-Specific Factors Influencing Gastroenterologists to Pursue Careers in Advanced Endoscopy: Perceptions vs...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Education
• Gender Studies in Medicine

Background:

• Advanced endoscopy (AE) has a significant gender disparity, with women comprising only 19% of fellows in 2020.
• Understanding gender-specific influences is crucial for improving representation in this subspecialty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate gender-specific factors affecting gastroenterologists' pursuit of careers in advanced endoscopy (AE).
• To identify barriers and motivators for women entering the AE field.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous online survey distributed to gastroenterology fellows and attendings.
• Data collected on demographics, training, mentorship, practice, family planning, and career satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Women were less likely than men to plan AE careers (24.7% vs. 37.5%).
• Key deterrents for women included lack of same-sex mentors, perceived bias, family planning concerns, radiation risks, and ergonomic issues.
• Despite deterrents, AE professionals reported high career satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Multiple gender-specific factors discourage women from AE careers.
• Enhancing female role models and targeted mentorship for female trainees can improve women's representation in AE.
• The field of AE is satisfying and recommended for all fellows, irrespective of gender.