Naqvi SSQ, Adeeb H, Sethi A. Survival in general surgery: The female surgeons' perspective.
Pak J Med Sci 2023;
39:926-930. [PMID:
37492294 PMCID:
PMC10364250 DOI:
10.12669/pjms.39.4.7528]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective
Specialty choices in health profession has long been influenced by gender. The field of General Surgery remains the least preferred specialty by females, especially in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to identify the factors leading to success and retention of females in General Surgery in Pakistan.
Methods
Qualitative case study was conducted from February to May 2020 at Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposive sample of female surgeons at various academic position in different tertiary care hospitals of Pakistan. Data were thematically analyzed.
Results
Participants were driven by their passion for surgery, which led them to choose this specialty in the beginning. Their survival in male dominant workplace was made possible by their own personality traits and conducive environment provided by the supervisors and peers. However, a structured mentorship program for females was found lacking.
Conclusion
The necessary ingredients for success are passion and personality traits in any field but attention to nurturing and supportive environment for females in the General Surgery is paramount in determining success. Due consideration to the factors identified in the current study will enhance the retention and success of females in General Surgery.
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