1
|
Patel A, Wilson CA, Davidson J, Lam JY, Graham ME, Seemann NM. The Intersection of Family Planning and Perception of Career Advancement in General Surgery. J Surg Res 2024; 296:481-488. [PMID: 38325010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women in surgery face unique challenges, particularly as it relates to family planning, parental leave, infant feeding, and career advancement. This study highlights disparities in present day general surgery training to tackle longstanding gender inequities. METHODS An open, anonymous online survey was distributed to Canadian residents, fellows, and practicing general surgeons through the Canadian Association of General Surgeons e-mail list from November 2021-March 2022. Data were analyzed descriptively and chi-square tests were performed to examine categorical outcomes across gender. RESULTS A total of 89 general surgery respondents (13.8% response rate) completed the survey (22 cisgender men; 65 cisgender women). Twenty six percent of participants had accessed fertility services or used assistive reproductive technologies. Of the participants with children, 36.4% of men and 100.0% of women took at least one parental leave during residency or clinical practice. A greater proportion of women compared to men agreed that their training/practice influenced their decision to have children (P = 0.002) and when to have children (P < 0.001). Similarly, a greater proportion of women indicated they had concerns about future family planning (P = 0.008), future fertility (P = 0.002), and future parental leave (P = 0.026). Fifty nine percent of women and zero men agreed that taking parental leave impacted their career advancement (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Women surgeons and surgical trainees continue to face challenges with respect to family planning, parental leave, infant feeding, and career advancement. Further research is needed to explore the experiences of women surgeons. By providing surgeons with the support required to achieve their family planning goals, surgeons can accomplish their family and career goals with less conflict.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashaka Patel
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Claire A Wilson
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jacob Davidson
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Y Lam
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - M Elise Graham
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Natashia M Seemann
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Talbot M, Pullman L, Sokolov M, Reilly T, Russell R, Dion CA, Théoret D, Slobogean G. Are military fitness tests safe for members with a total hip arthroplasty? BMJ Mil Health 2024:e002461. [PMID: 38124226 DOI: 10.1136/military-2023-002461] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members must complete an annual fitness evaluation. Members with a total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be at risk of injury during these strenuous tests. To inform CAF policy, we sought expert consensus on the safety of fitness testing for members with a THA. METHODS We conducted a three-round Delphi study with a panel of hip arthroplasty experts to determine the safety of CAF operational fitness evaluations for members with a THA. The experts evaluated videos of the 10 individual tasks included in the evaluations. RESULTS All individual tasks were judged to be safe by consensus. One task, which involves digging with a shovel, was considered safe provided that participants avoid deep hip flexion. The nine other tasks were judged to be safe without modifications or interventions. The experts also supported a policy recommendation that would allow members to perform military fitness evaluations if they (1) have a primary THA, (2) had no episodes of instability, (3) are at least 12 months postoperatively and (4) have been cleared by an orthopaedic surgeon and a physiatrist/physiotherapist. CONCLUSION A panel of arthroplasty experts concluded, based on video analysis, that CAF fitness evaluations are generally safe for members with a THA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max Talbot
- Royal Canadian Medical Service, Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - L Pullman
- Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis, Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Sokolov
- Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis, Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - T Reilly
- Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - R Russell
- Royal Canadian Medical Service, Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - C-A Dion
- Royal Canadian Medical Service, Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - D Théoret
- Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - G Slobogean
- Royal Canadian Medical Service, Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alhammadi NA, Al Jabbar I, Alahmari SA, Alqahtani RM, Alhadi WA, Alnujaymi BM, Al-Jakhaideb MM, Almoghamer HD, Alqahtani MS, Mahmood SE. Gender-Related Microaggressions in Orthopedic Surgery: A Comprehensive Survey of Women Orthopedists and Implications for Progress, Saudi Arabia. J Healthc Leadersh 2024; 16:29-37. [PMID: 38223496 PMCID: PMC10785692 DOI: 10.2147/jhl.s437083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Microaggressions are subtle and often unintentional acts that can be verbal, nonverbal, or environmental, and they convey negative messages to individuals belonging to marginalized social groups. This study aims to determine the prevalence of microaggressions experienced by female Saudi orthopaedic surgeons. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted online and targeted female in orthopedic surgery across different regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The survey was uploaded to Google Forms and distributed through social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp by well-trained data collectors. Results In this survey we included 96 female Saudi orthopedics. Their mean age was 27.46 ± 12.20 years. Most respondents were either residents (52.63%), or specialists (23.16%). Most participants (92.63%) were still in training or early in their careers, with the vast majority (93.68%) had their residency in Saudi Arabia. Nearly three-fifths (61.05%) have reported experiencing microaggressions as victims, 76.84%, did not see themselves as perpetrators of microaggressions, 23.16% acknowledged having engaged in such behavior. Patients or their families were reported to be involved in microaggressions in 43.16% of cases, while male surgeons and male support staff were implicated at 51.58% and 23.16%, respectively. Additionally, other male medical doctors participate in microaggressions in 33.68% of instances. Female surgeons were identified as being involved in 22.11% of microaggressions, whereas 29.47% involve female support staff. Conclusion The study's outcomes can help inform strategies to promote a supportive and inclusive environment within the field of orthopaedic surgery, encouraging positive interactions and equitable opportunities for all practitioners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nouf A Alhammadi
- Rheumatologist and Lupus Specialist, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Wajd A Alhadi
- College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | - Syed Esam Mahmood
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hertling S, Kaiser M, Schleußner E, Loos FM, Eckhardt N, Graul I. Gender gap-Gender-specific development in the field of obstetrics and gynecology in Germany in the last 20 years. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1207388. [PMID: 38155660 PMCID: PMC10754044 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1207388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gender Gap refers to differences between men and women in terms of access to medical education, career development, and leadership positions in medical practice and research. Although women now make up most medical school graduates in many countries, they are often underrepresented in higher positions. Objective The aim of this study is therefore to analyze the gender-specific development in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Germany over the past 20 years and to survey the current status quo. Materials and methods An narrative review was carried out on the development of female graduates of human medicine, the proportion of women in contract medical care and clinical care, as well as the gender-specific evaluation of obtaining a gynecological/obstetric additional qualification. habilitation figures in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology were evaluated about gender distribution. All data were received from federal institutes. Results A total of 46.7% (n = 95,234) of all inpatient doctors were female. A total of 46.7% (n = 95,234) of the physicians in hospitals were female. A total of 46% (1,832/3,958) were the portion of females as assistant physicians, 39.8% (n = 45.551) as specialists, 35.3% (n = 18789) as senior physicians, 25.1% (n = 2394) as first senior physicians and 25% (n = 10) as chief physicians in hospital. A total of 64.6% (n = 3958) of the physicians in Obstetrics and Gynecology were female. A total of 46% (1,832/3,958) were the portion of females as assistant physicians, 64.6% (n = 3958) as specialists, 65.0% (n = 1919) as senior physicians, 26.4% (n = 207) first senior physicians and 25% (n = 10) as chief physicians in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Discussion The problem with the gender gap in medicine, does not seem to be access to teaching or starting a residency. But in the functions with increasing responsibility and management functions, e.g., as senior physicians, women are already rarely seen. In Obstetrics and Gynecology, too, there is a shortage of women in leading positions, despite the relatively high numbers, for example as senior physicians. Factors like maternity and establishing a family are points mentioned therefore, but also stereotypes seem to be considerable facts. Conclusion However, it is important to recognize the need for more women in higher positions in medicine and actively work to encourage more women to choose a career in medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hertling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
- Department of Orthopedic, Campus Eisenberg, University Hospital Jena, Eisenberg, Germany
| | | | - Ekkehard Schleußner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Niklas Eckhardt
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Isabel Graul
- Department of Orthopedic, Campus Eisenberg, University Hospital Jena, Eisenberg, Germany
- Department of Trauma-, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Baumhauer JF. CORR Insights®: What Are the Challenges Related to Family Planning, Pregnancy, and Parenthood Faced by Women in Orthopaedic Surgery? A Systematic Review. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2023; 481:1319-1321. [PMID: 36897172 PMCID: PMC10263212 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Judith F Baumhauer
- Professor of Orthopaedics, Chief of Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|