Survey results of COVID-19 pandemic on female surgical trainees: New normal work environment

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on surgical training globally. We aimed to explore and identify the specific challenges faced by women surgeons during the pandemic and provide recommendations for improvement.

A survey was conducted among trainee members of the Association of Women Surgeons, assessing various aspects of clinical training, mental well-being, and personal and professional life.

The respondents were distributed across the United States, with the majority (28%) from the Midwest and Northeast. Training settings were predominantly academic university hospital programs (85%). The majority (92%) were resident trainees and 32% were in research. General surgery, constituting 86% of the respondents, was the most common specialty. There was a decline in surgical cases, research, mental health, and quality of didactics. Limited learning opportunities and challenges in job search were reported. Although virtual conferences were deemed affordable, the lack of networking was noted to be significant.

The study highlights the need for ongoing support and adaptation in surgical training programs. These programs include the optimization of virtual platforms, prioritizing mental well-being, and ensuring equal opportunities. Strategies to mitigate the impact of future disruptions and promote gender equality are essential. Further research and workflow changes are warranted for effective capacity building.