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Poljo A, Sortino R, Daume D, Probst P, Billeter AT, Müller-Stich BP, Klasen JM. Educational challenges and opportunities for the future generation of surgeons: a scoping review. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2024; 409:82. [PMID: 38433154 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-024-03270-7] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Surgery offers exciting opportunities but comes with demanding challenges that require attention from both surgical program administrators and aspiring surgeons. The hashtag #NoTrainingTodayNoSurgeonsTomorrow on 𝕏 (previously Twitter) underscores the importance of ongoing training. Our scoping review identifies educational challenges and opportunities for the next generation of surgeons, analyzing existing studies and filling gaps in the literature. METHODS Following the PRISMA guidelines, MEDLINE/PubMed was searched in February 2022, using the MeSH terms "surgeons/education," for articles in English or German on general, abdominal, thoracic, vascular, and hand surgery and traumatology targeting medical students, surgical residents, future surgeons, and fellows. RESULTS The initial search yielded 1448 results. After a step-by-step evaluation process, 32 publications remained for complete review. Three main topics emerged: surgical innovations and training (n = 7), surgical culture and environment (n = 19), and mentoring (n = 6). The articles focusing on surgical innovations and training mainly described the incorporation of structured surgical training methods and program initiatives. Articles on surgical culture examined residents' burnout, well-being, and gender issues. Challenges faced by women, including implicit bias and sexual harassment, were highlighted. Regarding mentoring, mentees' needs, training challenges, and the qualities expected of both mentors and mentees were addressed. CONCLUSION At a time of COVID-19-driven surgical innovations, the educational and working environment of the new generation of surgeons is changing. Robotic technology and other innovations require future surgeons to acquire additional technological and digital expertise. With regard to the cultural aspects of training, surgery needs to adapt curricula to meet the demands of the new generation of surgeons, but even more it has to transform its culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adisa Poljo
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis - University Digestive Healthcare Center Basel, University Hospital Basel and St. Clara Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rosita Sortino
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis - University Digestive Healthcare Center Basel, University Hospital Basel and St. Clara Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diana Daume
- Department of Surgery, Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Spitalstrasse, 6000, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Probst
- Department of Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Thurgau, 8501, Frauenfeld, Switzerland
| | - Adrian T Billeter
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis - University Digestive Healthcare Center Basel, University Hospital Basel and St. Clara Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beat P Müller-Stich
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis - University Digestive Healthcare Center Basel, University Hospital Basel and St. Clara Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer M Klasen
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis - University Digestive Healthcare Center Basel, University Hospital Basel and St. Clara Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
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Dosis A, Husnoo N, Roney S, Hendry C, Bonner C, Kronberga M, Moran E, Ninh V, Jha A, Grey T, Saha AK. A census of general surgery consultants in England and Wales: implications for the current and future surgical workforce. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2024; 106:150-159. [PMID: 37489525 PMCID: PMC10830335 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2023.0018] [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] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to describe the composition of the current general surgical consultant body in England and Wales and quantify levels of inequality within it as well as describe future workforce challenges. METHODS This is an observational study of all general surgical departments in England and Wales. Consultant general surgeons were identified and data regarding their gender, country of undergraduate medical education, subspecialty and private practice were recorded. RESULTS Of the 2,682 consultant general surgeons in England and Wales identified for this study, just 17% are women, with gender inequality most marked in university teaching hospitals and among certain subspecialties. Almost 40% of consultants did not obtain their primary undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom and there are considerably fewer surgeons who studied abroad in university teaching hospitals. Over 40% of current general surgical consultants have been qualified for more than three decades and there is no equivalent sized group of younger consultants. CONCLUSIONS There remains considerable gender and racial inequality in the consultant general surgical workforce, with pockets of a lack of diversity within university or teaching hospital surgical departments and some subspecialties. The proportion of surgeons in their fourth decade of clinical practice represents the largest group of current practising consultants, which points towards an impending workforce crisis should senior clinicians seek to reduce activity or consider taking early retirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dosis
- Yorkshire and the Humber Deanery, UK
| | - N Husnoo
- University of Sheffield & Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - S Roney
- Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | | | - C Bonner
- Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - M Kronberga
- Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - E Moran
- Yorkshire and the Humber Deanery, UK
| | - V Ninh
- Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - A Jha
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - T Grey
- Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - AK Saha
- Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Brandt O, Tjardes T, Grimaldi G, Mutschler M, Imach S. [Analysis of risk factors for dropping out of residency in orthopedics and trauma surgery]. UNFALLCHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 126:788-798. [PMID: 36357588 PMCID: PMC10520118 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-022-01249-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, there are no data available on dropouts from residency programs and changes of clinic in orthopedics and trauma surgery (O&T). The aim of the study is to identify personal and structural risk factors leading to dropout or switching of postgraduate training in O&T in order to present solution strategies. METHODS A nationwide anonymous online survey was conducted among residents in O&T in summer 2020. Official mail addresses were identified via the Traumanetzwerk© of the DGU and the German Hospital Federation (n = 2090). A questionnaire (51 questions) was administered using SurveyMonkey (San Mateo, CA, USA). All residents who worked in O&T for at least 1 month in the 6 years prior to the start of the survey (from 07/2014) were eligible to participate. A binary logistic regression was calculated to identify the risk factors. The significance level was p = 0.05. RESULTS Of the 221 respondents, 37% switched hospital and 5% dropped out altogether. The regression revealed 3 significant risk factors for switching hospitals. Living in a partnership (p = 0.029, RR: 2.823) and less than 2 days of shadowing before the start of residency (p = 0.002, RR: 2.4) increased the risk of switching. Operating room (OR) allocation of residents according to the training plan/status (p = 0.028, RR: 0.48) reduces the risk of switching. Significant risk factors for leaving postgraduate training could not be determined (insufficient number of cases, n = 11). DISCUSSION Switching the hospital and residency dropouts in O&T are a relevant problem (42%). Gender has no significant influence. Tools such as longer job shadowing, as well as OR allocation according to the training plan/status can minimize the risk of switching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Brandt
- Klinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Sporttraumatologie, Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Krankenhaus Köln-Merheim, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimer Str. 220, 51109, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Thorsten Tjardes
- Klinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Sporttraumatologie, Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Krankenhaus Köln-Merheim, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimer Str. 220, 51109, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Gina Grimaldi
- Universitätsklinik für Unfallchirurgie, Otto von Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Deutschland
| | - Manuel Mutschler
- Abteilung für Fuß und Sprunggelenkschirurgie, Waldkrankenhaus Bonn, Johanniter GmbH, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - Sebastian Imach
- Klinik für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Sporttraumatologie, Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Krankenhaus Köln-Merheim, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Ostmerheimer Str. 220, 51109, Köln, Deutschland.
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Martinelli O, Cuozzo S, Miceli F, Gattuso R, D'Andrea V, Sapienza P, Bellini MI. Elective Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) for the Treatment of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms of 5.0-5.5 cm: Differences between Men and Women. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4364. [PMID: 37445398 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134364] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is significant debate regarding the existence of sex-related differences in the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of men versus women affected by abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The purpose of this study is to compare endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of infrarenal AAAs with the current sex-neutral 5.0-5.5 cm-diameter threshold for intervention between the two sexes. METHODS Retrospective review of consecutive cases from a single teaching institution over a period of five years of patients who had undergone elective EVAR for AAAs between 5.0 and 5.5 cm in diameter. Outcomes of interest were compared according to sex. RESULTS Ninety-four patients were included in the analysis, with a higher prevalence of men (53%). Females were older at the time of repair, 78 ± 5.1 years, versus 71.7 ± 7 years (p < 0.01), and had higher incidence of underlying comorbidities, namely, arrhythmia, chronic kidney disease, and previous carotid revascularization. Women had higher incidence of immediate systemic complications (p = 0.021), post-operative AMI (p = 0.001), arrhythmia (p = 0.006), pulmonary oedema (p < 0.001), and persistent renal dysfunction (p = 0.029). Multivariate analysis for post-operative factors associated to mortality and adjusted for sex confirmed that AMI (p = 0.015), arrhythmia (p = 0.049), pulmonary oedema (p = 0.015), persistent renal dysfunction (p < 0.001), cerebral ischemia (p < 0.001), arterial embolism of lower limbs (p < 0.001), and deep-vein thrombosis of lower limbs (p < 0.001) were associated to higher EVAR-related mortality; a higher incidence of post-operative AMI (p = 0.014), pulmonary edema (p = 0.034), and arterial embolism of lower limbs (p = 0.046) were associated to higher 30-days mortality. In females there was also a higher rate of suprarenal fixation (p = 0.026), insertion outside the instruction for use (p = 0.035), and a more hostile neck anatomy with different proximal aortic diameter (p < 0.001) and angle (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS A similar threshold of size of AAA for elective surgery for both males and females might not be appropriate for surgical intervention, as females tend to have worse outcomes. Further population-based studies are needed to guide on sex-related differences and intervention on AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ombretta Martinelli
- Department of General and Speciality Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Cuozzo
- Department of General and Speciality Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Miceli
- Department of General and Speciality Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Gattuso
- Department of General and Speciality Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vito D'Andrea
- Department of Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Sapienza
- Department of Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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„Gemeinsam einfach besser“ – Wie female empowerment alle voranbringt. GEFÄSSCHIRURGIE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00772-022-00945-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Bellini MI, Amabile MI, Saullo P, Zorzetti N, Testini M, Caronna R, D’Andrea V. A Woman's Place Is in Theatre, but Are Theatres Designed with Women in Mind? A Systematic Review of Ergonomics for Women in Surgery. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11123496. [PMID: 35743578 PMCID: PMC9225169 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Literature regarding ergonomic protocols for surgery is lacking, and there is a paucity of information on how this impacts on gender differences with regards to the barriers faced by women in surgery. Methods: This article reviews current literature addressing women in surgery and ergonomics through a systematic search including the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Results: Searches retrieved 425 items, and after a thorough evaluation for inclusion, 15 studies were examined—predominantly surveys (n = 9) and originating from the USA (n = 9). Identified ergonomic challenges included the general shorter height and smaller glove size of women. Furthermore, women experienced more musculoskeletal pain than men, potentially because the size and design of theatre tools are designed for male and tall individuals, highlighting an unconscious gender bias still pervading the surgical field. Conclusions: As more women enter medicine and pursue surgical careers, it is essential to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in theatre to develop more ergonomic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Irene Bellini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.A.); (P.S.); (N.Z.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (V.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0649970385
| | - Maria Ida Amabile
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.A.); (P.S.); (N.Z.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (V.D.)
| | - Paolina Saullo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.A.); (P.S.); (N.Z.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (V.D.)
| | - Noemi Zorzetti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.A.); (P.S.); (N.Z.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (V.D.)
| | - Mario Testini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.A.); (P.S.); (N.Z.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (V.D.)
- Academic Unit of General Surgery, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medical, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70120 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Caronna
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.A.); (P.S.); (N.Z.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (V.D.)
| | - Vito D’Andrea
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.I.A.); (P.S.); (N.Z.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (V.D.)
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Morgan JL, Manning K, Wyld L. Examining the barriers faced by female surgical trainees: a qualitative study. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2022; 104:427-433. [PMID: 34846215 PMCID: PMC9158037 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2021.0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Today, women make up 56% of medical students, yet just 13% of surgical consultants - a number that has remained static since 2013. This qualitative study explored some of the barriers to female success in modern surgery. METHODS Semistructured qualitative interviews were undertaken primarily with female surgical trainees to determine the barriers they face. Male trainees and training programme directors (TPDs) were also interviewed for triangulation. RESULTS 20 interviews were performed (16 female trainees, 3 male trainees, and 1 TPD) between October 2019 and March 2020. Family pressures and becoming a mother were significant barriers for women training in surgery - a barrier that did not apply to male trainees who were fathers, often resulting in women choosing to train less than full time (LTFT). Unfortunately LTFT training presents further obstacles for female trainees. The set-up of the national training programme in surgery provides many non-gender-specific barriers, chiefly moving hospital every 6 months causing disrupted training and long commutes, disproportionately affecting females with child care responsibilities. Sexism and discrimination are still common, both from colleagues and patients. Many participants perceived inherent differences between genders in communication and methods for coping with stress. CONCLUSION Greater gender equality in surgery may be achieved by changes in the structure and organisation of training to reduce the tension between the professional role and the predominantly female-led role of raising children. Better equality and diversity training and awareness at all levels in surgery may help to mitigate some of the conscious and unconscious bias that still exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- JL Morgan
- University of Sheffield Medical School, UK
| | - K Manning
- University of Sheffield Medical School, UK
| | - L Wyld
- University of Sheffield Medical School, UK
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Fotopoulou C. Closing the gender gap in gynecological oncology publications: will men manage to keep up? Int J Gynecol Cancer 2022; 32:590-591. [PMID: 35354607 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2022-003554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Fotopoulou
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Newman TH, Parry MG, Zakeri R, Pegna V, Nagle A, Bhatti F, Vig S, Green JSA. Gender diversity in UK surgical specialties: a national observational study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055516. [PMID: 35314455 PMCID: PMC8968535 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare gender diversity between UK surgical specialties, assess trends over time, and estimate when gender parity might be achieved. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING National Health Service, UK. PARTICIPANTS NHS Hospital & Community Health Service workforce statistics for 2011 to 2020 MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Logistic regression was used to compare female representation in 2020 between surgical specialties, and to examine for any significant trends between 2011 and 2020. The method of least squares was used to estimate when female representation of specialty registrars would reach 50% ('gender parity') for specialties with <40% female representation. RESULTS In 2020, female consultant and specialty registrar representation was significantly different between surgical specialties (both p<0.001). Female representation for each specialty were as follows (from highest to lowest): Specialty Registrars-Ophthalmology 49.7%, Otolaryngology 48.2%, Paediatric Surgery 45.5%, Plastic Surgery 42.2%, General Surgery 39.8%, Urology 31.6%, Vascular Surgery 25.0%, Neurosurgery 24.7%, Cardiothoracic Surgery 21.3%, and Trauma and Orthopaedics 20.6%; Consultants-Ophthalmology 32.4%, Paediatric Surgery 31.7%, Plastic Surgery 20.9%, General Surgery 17.5%, Otolaryngology 17%, Vascular Surgery 13.7%, Urology 11.7%, Cardiothoracic Surgery 10.8%, Neurosurgery 8.2%, and Trauma and Orthopaedics 7.3%. There was a significant positive trend in female representation of specialty registrars between 2011 and 2020 for all specialties except for Paediatric Surgery (representation consistently >45%) and Vascular Surgery (representation consistently <30%). General Surgery was estimated to achieve gender parity of their specialty registrars by 2028, Urology by 2033, Neurosurgery by 2064, Trauma and Orthopaedics by 2070, and Cardiothoracic Surgery by 2082. CONCLUSIONS Despite improvements over the last decade, gender disparity persists in the UK surgical workforce and there are significant differences between surgical specialties. Further work is necessary to establish the reasons for these observed differences with a specific focus on Vascular Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, and Trauma and Orthopaedics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew G Parry
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London, London, UK
| | - Roxanna Zakeri
- Whittington Hospital, London, London, UK
- UCL Division of Medicine, London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Pegna
- Kent Surrey and Sussex Deanery, Crawley, West Sussex, UK
- Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, London, UK
| | - Amy Nagle
- Urological Department, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, London, UK
| | - Farah Bhatti
- Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, London, UK
- Cardiothoracic surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Stella Vig
- Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, London, UK
- Department of Vascular and General Surgery, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, Croydon, Greater London, UK
| | - James Stephen Arthur Green
- Urology, Whipps Cross University Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Center for Implementation Science, King's College London, London, UK
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Schizas D, Papapanou M, Routsi E, Mastoraki A, Lidoriki I, Zavras N, Avgerinos DV, Lazaris AM, Tsaroucha A. Career barriers for women in surgery. Surgeon 2022; 20:275-283. [PMID: 34996719 DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2021.11.008] [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: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing numbers of female medical students, surgery remains male-dominated. PURPOSE To highlight the principal career obstacles experienced by aspiring female surgeons. METHODS A narrative review of literature on the position and career barriers of female surgeons has been conducted, using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. MAIN FINDINGS Implicit and even explicit biases against female surgeons remain prevalent, negatively impacting their training performance and overall professional trajectory. Female surgeons are globally underrepresented in leadership positions and senior academic rankings, especially that of a full professor. They feel hampered by lack of effective mentorship, whose value for a successful career has been acknowledged by all medical students, surgeons and surgical leaders. Their work-life imbalance is sometimes expressed as lower likelihood than their male contemporaries of getting married or having children and may be attributed to their conventional association with the role of caretaker, their personal desire to accommodate occupational and family duties and the inadequate implementation of parental leave and childcare policies. Female surgeons' "infertility" may be further explained by direct and indirect pregnancy-related difficulties. Female surgeons are also financially undercompensated compared to their male contemporaries. Finally, specialty-specific challenges should not be overlooked. CONCLUSIONS While encouraging steps have been made, women in surgery feel still hindered by various obstacles. The qualitative, interview-based nature of current literature requires more meticulous studies on these barriers with a more quantitative and objective approach. Attenuation of gender imbalance in surgical specialties requires further changes in mentality and more targeted modifications in relevant policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Papapanou
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Eleni Routsi
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Mastoraki
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Irene Lidoriki
- First Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Zavras
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios V Avgerinos
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, NewYork Presbyterian, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andreas M Lazaris
- Department of Vascular Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Tsaroucha
- Second Department of Surgery and Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Women in Surgery, Mentoring, and Social Media. J Am Coll Surg 2021; 233:812. [PMID: 34598851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Santos EG, Roque L, Maya MC, Moreira RC, Lima FL, Correia MITD. PERCEPTION OF HARASSMENT AMONG FEMALE SURGEONS. Rev Col Bras Cir 2021; 48:e20213123. [PMID: 34468506 PMCID: PMC10683461 DOI: 10.1590/0100-6991e-20213123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION the attraction of women by Surgery has always existed. Although Surgery has been considered a specialty for men, several women chose it, despite gender bias issues that have persisted over many years. Several obstacles have impacted the practice of women surgeons, leading them to abandon the profession, while others, perhaps bearers of a stronger spirit, managed to overcome them, and won. OBJECTIVE to assess the rates of perception of harassment against female surgeons as a cause of difficulty and negative feelings related to the specialty. METHODS we conducted a quantitative and qualitative (personal accounts) research through a questionnaire via Google Forms® sent to all women surgeons registered in the Brazilian College of Surgeons and in a WhatsApp women surgeons' groups. The qualitative analysis was made with the Wordle® app. RESULTS from 821 questionnaires sent, we obtained 232 responses (28.2%). Harassment perception during training was 49.1% (n=114). From the women surgeons who perceived harassment, 56.1% reported having undergone different training than expected, with statistical significance (p<0.001). The question of having been treated differently due to being a woman also had an impact on harassment perception (77.2% harassed vs 47.5%; p<0.001). Physical (42.1% vs 6.8%) and emotional (92.1% vs 39.8%) threats were also different between groups. CONCLUSION women surgeons still report great harassment perception, both moral and sexual, which impacts their feelings about the specialty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Santos
- - Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho - UFRJ, Membro da Comissão de Mulheres Cirurgiãs - CBC, FACS, PhD - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brasil
| | - Lia Roque
- - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Membro da Comissão de Mulheres Cirurgiãs - CBC, PhD - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brasil
| | - Maria Cristina Maya
- - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Membro da Comissão de Mulheres Cirurgiãs - CBC, PhD - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brasil
| | - Reni Cecilia Moreira
- - UNIBH, Membro da Comissão de Mulheres Cirurgiãs - CBC, ACS, Md, PhD - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
| | - Fernanda Lage Lima
- - Universidade Federal do Acre, Secretaria de Estado de Saúde do Acre, Membro da Comissão de Mulheres Cirurgiã - Rio Branco - AC - Brasil
| | - M Isabel T D Correia
- - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Membro da equipe Eterna, Rede Mater Dei, Membro da Comissão de Mulheres Cirurgiãs - CBC, FACS - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
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