Attitudes Among General Surgery Program Directors and Faculty Toward Openly Nonheterosexual Applicants
Jillian K Wothe1, Krystina R Kalland1, Benjamin K Seltzer2
1Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Journal of Surgical Education
|August 10, 2022
Summary
This study surveyed general surgery program directors and faculty about their attitudes towards nonheterosexual residency applicants. Most respondents showed acceptance, indicating a positive shift in the field.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Diversity and Inclusion in Medicine
Background:
- Nonheterosexual physicians historically face bias in medical training.
- Previous research focused on residents; program director and faculty views are less understood.
- General surgery training environments require assessment for inclusivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey general surgery program directors and faculty on their attitudes towards openly nonheterosexual residency applicants.
- To assess potential biases and acceptance levels within general surgery training programs.
Main Methods:
- A national, cross-sectional online survey was distributed.
- Participants included program directors and faculty in general surgery.
- The survey targeted individuals listed on the Association of Program Directors in Surgery listserv.
Main Results:
- A majority of respondents (68%) reported having openly nonheterosexual residents.
- Most (76%) advised honesty about sexuality during the application process.
- A significant majority (84%) stated that an applicant's nonheterosexual identity would not affect their ranking.
Conclusions:
- This is the first survey of its kind for general surgery program directors.
- Substantial acceptance of nonheterosexual general surgery residency candidates was observed among respondents.
- While some biased beliefs persist, overall attitudes appear positive and accepting.
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