Grit in Surgeons
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Utilizing a 3D Printed Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication Model to Shorten a Resident's Learning Curve
Published on: August 15, 2025
Simone Betchen1,2, Anuja Sarode3, Susan Pories4,5
1Association of Women Surgeons, Chicago, IL, USA. sbetchen@hotmail.com.
Background:
Women in surgery are often told that they are not "tough enough" to be surgeons. A Grit Score provides a validated measure of passion and perseverance, which are aspects of "toughness."
Methods:
Survey data were collected from residents and attendings in all surgical fields through multiple surgical societies. Grit and burnout were measured using validated measures.
Results:
Among surgeons, gender did not have an impact on Grit Score. Burnout had a statistically significant inverse relationship with Grit Score, and women were more likely to report burnout compared to men surgeons.
Conclusions:
Women in surgery have just as much grit as their male counterparts. Grit should not be a factor in women pursuing a career in surgery.
