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Granek L, Muzyka L, Limoges N, Kelley-Quon L, Lane J, Ha J, Benzil DL, Durham S. Gender Differences in the Pediatric Neurosurgical Workforce: Professional Practice, Work-Life Balance, and Beyond. Neurosurgery 2024; 95:428-436. [PMID: 38483170 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Evidence suggests that female neurosurgeons experience unique challenges in the workplace including lack of academic advancement, challenges with work-life balance, harassment, and discrimination. How these factors influence the gender gap in neurosurgery remains unclear. This analysis investigated gender differences in pediatric neurosurgeons in professional and nonprofessional activities and responsibilities. METHODS A survey examining professional activities, work-life balance, family dynamics, career satisfaction, and workplace discrimination and harassment was administered to 495 pediatric neurosurgeons. Response rate was 49% (n = 241). RESULTS One-third of the pediatric neurosurgical workforce is female. There were no gender differences in race/ethnicity, American Board of Neurological Surgery/American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery certification rates, or pediatric neurosurgery fellowship completion. No gender differences were found in operative caseload, weekly hours worked, or working after 8 pm or weekends. Women took call more frequently than men ( P = .044). Men were more likely to work in academia ( P = .004) and have salary subsidization from external sources ( P = .026). Women were more likely to anticipate retirement by age 65 years ( P = .044), were less happy with call commitments ( P = .012), and worked more hours at home while off ( P = .050). Women more frequently reported witnessing and experiencing racial discrimination ( P = .008; P < .001), sexual harassment ( P = .002, P < .001), and feeling less safe at work ( P < .001). Men were more likely married ( P = .042) with 1 ( P = .004) or more children ( P = .034). Women reported significantly greater responsibility for child and domestic care ( P < .001). There were no gender differences in work-life balance, feeling supported at work, or having enough time to do things outside of work. CONCLUSION Despite little difference in workload and professional responsibilities, women held more domestic responsibilities and experienced and witnessed more racial and sexual discrimination in the workplace. Surprisingly, there were no reported differences in work-life balance or feeling supported at work between genders. These findings suggest that factors unique to female neurosurgeons may contribute to continued gender disparity in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeat Granek
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Logan Muzyka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin , Texas , USA
| | - Natalie Limoges
- Department of Neurosurgery, Valley Children's Hospital, Madera , California , USA
| | - Lorraine Kelley-Quon
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles , California , USA
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles , California , USA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles , California , USA
| | - Jessica Lane
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond , Virginia , USA
| | - Joseph Ha
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles , California , USA
| | - Deborah L Benzil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland , Ohio , USA
| | - Susan Durham
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles , California , USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles , California , USA
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Hutton D, Ashraf M, Sescu D, Ismahel H, Hepburn K, Lumsden E, Wright P, Chai C, Helley M, McSorley N, Mohamed B, Abdulrahman M, Page B, Porter R, Bodkin P, Okasha M. Dundee Annual Neurosurgery Skills Event (DANSE)-Improving the Availability and Affordability of Neurosurgical Skills Workshops for Medical Students. Asian J Neurosurg 2024; 19:63-72. [PMID: 38751396 PMCID: PMC11093633 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Neurosurgery can be a daunting career choice for medical students, with preparation for trainee application often being inaccessible and expensive. This article describes a student-led neurosurgical skills event supported by local neurosurgery faculty members. Such event was designed to offer a means to bridge this gap by providing an opportunity to practice neurosurgical techniques in simulation, and learn about what a career in neurosurgery involves. Methods Pre- and postskills laboratory surveys were used to ascertain the baseline confidence and knowledge of common neurosurgical techniques, as well as to what both the application to neurosurgery and the typical workload of a neurosurgeon involves. The conference offered six neurosurgical workshops as well as three lectures to provide practical and theoretical learning opportunities. The session included introduction to the candidates and faculty, identification of learning objectives, and career discussion. Postcourse feedback also was also used to assess learning outcomes. Results Eighteen students attended the event. Postskills event, students were significantly more likely to understand the principles behind all of the relevant neurosurgical skills included on the day. Additionally, students were more likely to understand what a career in neurosurgery involves, and how to approach applying for a training number. Respondents enjoyed the workshops, valued hands-on experience and interactions with consultants, found it affordable, and would recommend to their peers. Conclusions For medical students interested in a career in neurosurgery, opportunities to learn relevant techniques and skills are often expensive and difficult to come across. Here, we highlight affordable methods of simulation to result in significant student satisfaction. Additionally, providing ample opportunity to practice different neurosurgical techniques under almost 1:1 level tutoring enables significant increases in students' confidence and understanding of different neurosurgical concepts. We greatly encourage other medical student groups to develop their own hands-on simulation events to attract medical students to a surgical field often considered daunting and inaccessible, and address gaps in the medical school curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Hutton
- The Royal Victoria Hospital, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Ashraf
- Glasgow Neuro Society, Wolfson School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Sescu
- School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Hassan Ismahel
- Glasgow Neuro Society, Wolfson School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Hepburn
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Lumsden
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Poppy Wright
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Carmen Chai
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Helley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan McSorley
- Glasgow Neuro Society, Wolfson School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Belal Mohamed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Abdulrahman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Beverley Page
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Roslyn Porter
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Bodkin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Mohamed Okasha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Rousta N, Hussein IM, Kohly RP. Sex Disparities in Ophthalmology From Training Through Practice: A Systematic Review. JAMA Ophthalmol 2024; 142:146-154. [PMID: 38236584 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.6118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Importance Sex-based research in medicine has revealed inequities against females on almost every metric at almost every career stage; ophthalmology is no exception. Objective To systematically review the experiences of females in ophthalmology (FiO) from training through practice in high-income countries (HICs). Evidence Review A systematic review of English-language studies, published between January 1990 and May 2022, relating to FiO in HICs was performed. PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase electronic databases were searched, as well as the Journal of Academic Ophthalmology as it was not indexed in the searched databases. Studies were organized by theme at each career stage, starting in medical school when an interest in ophthalmology is expressed, and extending up to retirement. Findings A total of 91 studies, 87 cross-sectional and 4 cohort, were included. In medical school, mentorship and recruitment of female students into ophthalmology was influenced by sex bias, with fewer females identifying with ophthalmologist mentors and gender stereotypes perpetuated in reference letters written by both male and female referees. In residency, females had unequal learning opportunities, with lower surgical case volumes than male trainees and fewer females pursued fellowships in lucrative subspecialties. In practice, female ophthalmologists had lower incomes, less academic success, and poorer representation in leadership roles. Female ophthalmologists had a greater scholarly impact factor than their male counterparts, but this was only after approximately 30 years of publication experience. Pervasive throughout all stages of training and practice was the experience of greater sexual harassment among females from both patients and colleagues. Despite these disparities, some studies found that females reported equal overall career satisfaction rating with males in ophthalmology, whereas others suggested higher burnout rates. Conclusions and Relevance Ophthalmology is approaching sex parity, however, the increase in the proportion of females in ophthalmology had not translated to an increase in female representation in leadership positions. Sex disparities persisted across many domains including recruitment, training, practice patterns, academic productivity, and income. Interventions may improve sex equity in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Rousta
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isra M Hussein
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Radha P Kohly
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Anand A, Ibrahim IA, Kathayat P, Ansari A, Aggarwal Y, Kaur Wahi R, Satapathy P, Rustagi S. Need to address the gender disparities in neurosurgery in India. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:20-22. [PMID: 38222733 PMCID: PMC10783270 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ayush Anand
- B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
- Global Consortium of Medical Education and Research, Pune
| | - Ismail A. Ibrahim
- Fenerbahçe Üniversitesi, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Pr, Istanbul, Turkey
- Global Consortium of Medical Education and Research, Pune
| | - Priyangi Kathayat
- Smt NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Global Consortium of Medical Education and Research, Pune
| | - Ayesha Ansari
- Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha
- Global Consortium of Medical Education and Research, Pune
| | - Yash Aggarwal
- Global Consortium of Medical Education and Research, Pune
- Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida
| | - Riddhpreet Kaur Wahi
- Global Consortium of Medical Education and Research, Pune
- Grant Government Medical College and Sir J.J Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra
| | - Prakasini Satapathy
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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Menard JV, Schroeder MM, Buote NJ, Tinga S, Krotscheck U, Morello SL, Lopez DJ. Evaluating gender discrepancies in the time to successful match into a small animal surgery residency program. Vet Surg 2023; 52:942-951. [PMID: 37395293 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine any association between gender and likelihood of first attempt match and overall time to match into an American College of Veterinary Surgery (ACVS)-registered small animal surgical residency program (SASRP). STUDY DESIGN Online survey. SAMPLE POPULATION A total of 100 (77 female, 23 male) ACVS small animal surgery residents or diplomates participating in a SASRP during the past 5 years. METHODS An online survey was sent to eligible individuals. Respondents anonymously provided information related to demographics, postgraduate internships, and qualifications at the time of each surgical residency application. First attempt and overall match success were evaluated by gender through univariable analysis and then via a multivariable model. RESULTS Men were 2.89 times more likely to match directly into a SASRP following a rotating internship than women (p = .041), and women completed more total internships than men prior to successful match into a SASRP (p = .030); however, men were found to have more publications at the time of first residency application (p < .001) or successful match (p = .018). Multivariable analysis revealed no association between gender on overall match success or first attempt match rate when considering all other qualifications. CONCLUSION No evidence for gender bias was found during the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) SASRP applicant selection process; however, gender specific patterns in research qualifications were identified. IMPACT Gender-blinded assessment is not considered necessary for the VIRMP small animal surgical resident selection process. Efforts should be made to educate applicants about the impact of research on the residency selection process and encourage research engagement of female students and graduates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna V Menard
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Mikayla M Schroeder
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Nicole J Buote
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Selena Tinga
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Ursula Krotscheck
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Samantha L Morello
- Center for Veterinary Business and Entrepreneurship, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Daniel J Lopez
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA
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Ip EC, Carrarini M, Nestel D, Incoll IW. Gender associations with selection into Australian General Surgical Training: 2016-2022. ANZ J Surg 2023; 93:2350-2356. [PMID: 37409785 DOI: 10.1111/ans.18584] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For those who have maintained an interest in general surgery after medical school and their early post-graduate years, selection is the first step to a career in general surgery. Identifying differences secondary to gender in selection tools and their outcomes should assist the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Board in General Surgery to improve gender equity in the general surgical workforce. Selection tools for general surgery include the curriculum vitae (CV), referee report (RR) and multiple mini-interview (MMI). METHODS All applicants' CV, RR and MMI scores achieved in the general surgery selection process were reviewed by gender over a seven-year period. RESULTS In all years, there were lower numbers of female applicants to selection. There were differences identified between genders in the CV and MMI, with females scoring lower in the CV and higher in the MMI when compared to males. There were no differences identified in the RR or proportion of applicants that were successful in their application based on gender. CONCLUSION The CV and MMI utilized for selection into general surgery were associated with gender bias. However, the lower number of females selected into training reflects the lower number of female applicants overall. There was no overall impact from gender found in an applicant's ability to be selected into general surgery in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia C Ip
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monica Carrarini
- Department of Education & Training, General Surgeons Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Debra Nestel
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian W Incoll
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Wang E, Diaz A, Khan ML, Blair EA, Shogan AN. Regional distribution in female representation in US otolaryngology faculty. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2023; 8:832-838. [PMID: 37621283 PMCID: PMC10446270 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.1099] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To quantify the current proportion of women in otolaryngology at different levels of professorship and determine whether these proportions differ by US region. Methods Academic rank and gender at all ACGME-accredited otolaryngology programs in the United States were determined from departmental websites, Doximity, and LinkedIn from November 2021 to March 2022. Individuals were then further organized using US Census Bureau-designated regions. Results Among the 2682 faculty positions at 124 ACGME-accredited programs, women held 706 (26.3%) of these positions. Female representation was highest at the assistant professorship level, with women holding 286 (37.2%) positions out of a total 769. At the associate professorship level, women held 141 (27.6%) of the 511 total positions. The largest gender disparity is seen at the full professorship level; only 69 (13.6%) positions out of 508 were held by women. Out of every region and rank, only assistant professorship in the West had no significant difference in percentages of men and women (p = .710). Female representation of professors in the Northeast was significantly lower than that of our reference group (the South; β = -10.9, p = .020). Conclusions Otolaryngology has exhibited great progress in increasing female representation, with assistant professorship in the West reaching gender parity. However, the gender gap at other faculty levels still leaves much to be desired, particularly in senior ranks. The lack of otolaryngologists at senior ranks is detrimental to mentorship of junior faculty, residents, and medical students. Renewed efforts should be made to decrease the gender disparity in the South, Northeast, and particularly at the professorship level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Wang
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Ashley Diaz
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Maha L. Khan
- Biological Sciences DivisionUniversity of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Elizabeth A. Blair
- Department of Surgery, Section of OtolaryngologyUniversity of Chicago MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Andrea N. Shogan
- Department of Surgery, Section of OtolaryngologyUniversity of Chicago MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Kobylianskii A, Murji A, Matelski JJ, Adekola AB, Shapiro J, Shirreff L. Surgeon Gender and Performance Outcomes for Hysterectomies: Retrospective Cohort Study. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2023; 30:108-114. [PMID: 36332819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether there are differences in several performance metrics between male and female surgeons for hysterectomies. DESIGN Multicenter retrospective cohort study. We matched surgeries performed by female surgeons to those by male surgeons using a propensity score and compared outcomes by gender after adjusting for years in practice and fellowship training. SETTING A total of 6 hospitals (3 academic, 3 community) in Ontario, Canada, between July 2016 and December 2019. PATIENTS All consecutive patients. INTERVENTIONS Hysterectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Primary outcome was a composite of any complication or return to emergency room (ER) within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were grade II or greater complications, return to ER, and operative time. We included 2664 hysterectomies performed by 77 surgeons. After propensity matching, 963 surgeries performed by females were compared with 963 performed by males. There were no differences in the primary (relative risk [RR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-1.20; p = .56) or secondary outcomes of grade II or greater complication (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.71-1.45; p = .96) or return to ER (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.55-1.20; p = .30). However, surgeries performed by males were 24.72 minutes shorter (95% CI, 18.09-31.34 minutes; p <.001). Entire cohort post hoc regression analysis confirmed these findings. E-value analysis indicated that it is unlikely for an unmeasured confounder to undo the observed difference. CONCLUSION Although complication and readmission rates are similar, male surgeons may have a shorter operating time than female surgeons for hysterectomies, which may have implications for health systems and inequalities in surgeon renumeration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ally Murji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital
| | - John J Matelski
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jodi Shapiro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital
| | - Lindsay Shirreff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital.
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Cote Estrada L. Female surgeons and academic surgery. Cir Esp 2023; 101:123-126. [PMID: 35918048 DOI: 10.1016/j.cireng.2022.06.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lilia Cote Estrada
- Expresidente de la Asociación Mexicana de Cirugía General, Asesor Académico de Seguridad del Paciente, Fundación Academia Aescualp México, Mexico.
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Ruparell K, Barve R, Tas RN, Chen S, Mclaughlin R, Ravendren A, Gupte CM. Motivators and deterrents for early career female doctors applying to surgical training programmes in the UK National Health Service: a mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055652. [PMID: 36456020 PMCID: PMC9723904 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To perform a mixed-methods study identifying motivators and deterrents to female doctors interested in core surgical training (CST). To provide tangible implementations based on the findings. DESIGN This study used quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (semistructured interviews (SSIs)) analyses. Participants completed online questionnaires on Qualtrics and SSIs were conducted remotely on Microsoft Teams. Questions were derived from previous studies and a novel term, the gender impact rating (GIR), was coined to assess the impact of gender on opportunities available during CST application. SETTING Participants were working in the UK National Health Service and data collected from December 2020 to January 2021. PARTICIPANTS A total of 100 female surgical trainees in the UK ranging from Foundation Year 2 to Core Training Year 2. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants ranked factors by their influence on their CST application. Of the 100 trainees, 21 were randomly selected for an SSI to explore their questionnaire responses. Statistical analyses were performed using MATLAB and SPSS, alongside a thematic analysis of the interviews. RESULTS A total of 44 out of 100 questionnaire respondents ranked early exposure to surgery as the most influential motivator, while 43% selected work-life balance as the greatest deterrent and 33% suggested mentoring schemes to encourage women to apply to CST. The median GIR was 3 out of 5, indicating a moderate perceived impact of gender on opportunities available during CST application. Qualitative analysis found four overarching themes: institutional factors (including mentorship schemes), organisational culture (including active engagement), social factors and personal factors. CONCLUSION Thematic analysis suggested that seniors involving women in theatre and a supportive work environment would encourage entry of more female surgeons. Therefore, the proposed implementations are the active engagement of women in theatre and destigmatising less than full-time training. Further research into ethnicity and personality on motivations to enter surgery is advised.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajas Barve
- Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rukiye N Tas
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sihan Chen
- Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Chinmay M Gupte
- Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, UK
- Imperial College Biomedial Research Centre, London, UK
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Wainwright D, Harris M, Wainwright E. Redefining the professional identity of the surgeon. BMJ 2022; 379:o2580. [PMID: 36307131 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.o2580] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Harris
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Elaine Wainwright
- Epidemiology Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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12
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Cote Estrada L. La mujer cirujana y la cirugía académica. Cir Esp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ciresp.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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