Gender-based differences in work styles and career satisfaction in the retina subspecialty in Japan

To investigate differences in work styles and career satisfaction between women and men physicians in the retina subspecialty in Japan using a questionnaire survey.

Cross-sectional study.

A web-based questionnaire was sent as an e-mail link to all 3,027 current members of the Japanese Retina and Vitreous Society in August 2023 with responses collected anonymously in September 2023. The questionnaire consisted of 4 main categories: baseline characteristics, job satisfaction, life events and career advancement, and suitability as a retina specialist and workplace gender equality.

Valid responses were received from 614 members, representing a response rate of 20.3%. One-fifth of men (19.0%) were "very satisfied" with their job, much higher than the same for women (7.5%) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant difference between men and women who "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that life events were an impediment to one's career (44.3% vs 74.9%) (P < 0.001). There was also a significant difference between men and women who answered "strongly agree" when asked whether they felt they were suited to work in the retina subspecialty (31.0% vs 13.4%) (P < 0.001).

Our study identified and quantified marked differences in work style and career satisfaction between women and men. Such differences highlight gender-based challenges in the retina subspecialty that could be improved in order to enhance career satisfaction and career longevity of women retina specialists in Japan.