Perception of Surgery Among LGBTQ+ Medical Students

Limited data exist on how LGBTQ+ medical students perceive surgical specialties as a career path. This study explored the factors influencing specialty choice and perceptions of surgery among LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ students.

A survey was distributed over 6 mo (July 2023-January 2024) to third- and fourth-year students at two allopathic medical schools. The data were stored and managed on REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture). Questions addressed demographics, LGBTQ+ identification, medical school experiences, and specialty perceptions. Respondents were grouped as LGBTQ+ or non-LGBTQ+ and compared using Fisher's Exact and Wilcoxon Two-Sample tests (α = 0.05).

Fifty-six students participated (35 non-LGBTQ+ and 21 LGBTQ+; 56/∼400 students = 14% response rate). Demographics were similar across groups. There were no differences in the future specialties that the two groups were set to pursue (P = 0.12). Both groups encountered similar levels of homophobic and transphobic remarks and reported equal rates of differential treatment based on gender. More LGBTQ+ students cited that their sexual orientation influenced their specialty selection (P < 0.001) and valued having role models with similar sexual orientation (P = 0.005) or gender (P = 0.023). Compared to non-LGBTQ+ peers, LGBTQ+ students perceived surgery as less tolerant of self-expression (P = 0.017) and less accepting of racial/ethnic (P = 0.037) and gender/sexual minorities (P = 0.011 and P = 0.013). They also viewed general surgery residency as more difficult for transgender (P = 0.0499) and lesbian individuals (P = 0.044).

While overt mistreatment was not reported, LGBTQ+ students perceive unique barriers within surgical fields. Identifying diverse role models and fostering inclusivity in surgical training may improve representation and support recruitment.