Perceptions of gender-related differences among plastic surgeons: A European survey

Despite significant changes in recent years, surgery continues to be perceived as a predominantly male field, with a persistent gender gap acro ss surgical specialties. We explored the perceptions of gender-related differences among male and female plastic surgeons in Europe by focusing on the ongoing challenges faced by women despite the increasing number of female surgeons.

An anonymous questionnaire on the perception of gender-related differences in clinical practice was distributed to European plastic surgeons and trainees. The survey comprised 29 items exploring gender issues in the workplace and surgery itself.

A total of 530 surgeons completed the survey: 281 women and 249 men. In multivariate analysis, gender was significantly associated with the answers to almost every question in the survey (14 of 17). Notably, 44% of women experienced sexual harassment in their workplace, whereas being male was associated with a lower likelihood of perceiving gender-related disparities across most survey domains.

This study highlights the significant differences in gender perception among male and female plastic surgeons in Europe. Unlike women, most men did not perceive gender as influencing job opportunities or clinical practice.