Beyond the scope: a global perspective on gender disparity among advanced endoscopists

Women remain underrepresented in advanced endoscopy. Factors such as ergonomics, concerns over radiation exposure, and traditional family roles have been identified as barriers in prior studies. To date, no published study has surveyed potential reasons for this at an international level. We aimed to assess factors that may contribute to poor uptake of advanced endoscopy training among women on a global scale.

A cross-sectional survey was designed by the mentees of the inaugural Women in Endoscopy Mentorship Program, including questions on demographics, endoscopy, family, wellbeing, mentorship, and leadership. This was shared via social media and professional networks.

There were 553 responses to the survey (282 from men), with 24% of respondents reporting that fewer than 10% of endoscopists at their center were female. Women were significantly less likely to have a partner; if they had a partner, they were more likely to be in full-time employment than male respondents' partners (67% vs. 43%; P < 0.001). Women were more likely to feel they had delayed having a family in favor of career progression, and that they had sacrificed career progression to have a family. They were also more likely to feel their gender held them back (61.3% vs. 19.9%; P < 0.001). More male respondents felt that they got the same opportunities as colleagues of the opposite gender at the same time (75.2% vs. 50.9%; P < 0.001).

Family responsibilities and perception of gender bias remain significant barriers to a career in advanced endoscopy for women worldwide.