Exploring salary negotiation and disparities in thoracic surgery

Area of Science:

• Medical and Health Sciences
• Surgical Specialties
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Persistent compensation disparities exist in thoracic surgery.
• Understanding salary negotiation dynamics is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Surgeon experiences with negotiation are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the salary negotiation experiences of cardiothoracic surgeons.
• To identify factors influencing negotiation and access to training.
• To inform strategies for improving negotiation outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous survey distributed to cardiothoracic surgeons via the General Thoracic Surgical Club listserv.
• Data collected on demographics, initial negotiation, renegotiation, and training.
• Analysis of surgeon experiences and influencing factors.

Main Results:

• 53.5% expected a fair salary without negotiation; women were more likely to disagree.
• Women cited cultural upbringing and mentor guidance; men prioritized schedule flexibility.
• Women more frequently felt unprepared during initial negotiation and were more likely to renegotiate.

Conclusions:

• Significant variation exists in thoracic surgeons' salary negotiation experiences.
• Inadequate preparation and uncommon formal training highlight a need for structured support.
• Mentor guidance is influential, and opportunities for training and mentorship should be enhanced.