Women in Surgery: An Analysis of Mental Health, Stress Perception and Resilience

Although the representation of women in surgical fields is increasing, challenges such as gender bias, demanding work conditions, and balancing career with personal responsibilities persist. This study aims to investigate the stressors affecting female surgeons, assess their impact, and explore the resilience strategies employed to mitigate these effects.

A literature review was conducted using PubMed to identify peer-reviewed articles on mental health, stress perception, and coping among female surgeons. From the initial search, 49 articles were identified, with additional studies manually added from the references of reviewed literature.

The review highlighted key stressors for female surgeons, including workplace culture, gender bias, and sexual harassment. Resilience-building strategies, such as mindfulness and institutional support, were found to positively impact mental health and stress management. Female surgeons face unique stressors stemming from the demands of the profession, systemic gender biases, and entrenched cultural norms, leading to significant mental health challenges such as burnout and anxiety. While personal coping mechanisms, like mindfulness, show some efficacy in mitigating these issues, institutional-level challenges remain largely unaddressed. Gendered expectations and exclusionary workplace cultures continue to hinder progress, underscoring the need for structural reforms to improve the professional environment and promote the well-being of female surgeons.

While resilience strategies offer some relief, substantial policy reform and a shift in workplace culture are crucial to creating a more supportive and equitable environment for women in surgery.