Rosecrance K, Archibald A, Victor R, Lasso ET, Nore C, Barrios C. Medical Student Perspectives on Sexual and Gender Minority Acceptance in Surgical Specialties and Sexual and Gender Minority Education.
J Surg Res 2023;
289:121-128. [PMID:
37099822 DOI:
10.1016/j.jss.2023.03.027]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The topics of healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) patients and inclusion of LGBTQ+ health providers remain overlooked. Some specialties may be perceived as less inclusive to LGBTQ+ trainees. This study aimed to describe the perspectives of current medical students regarding LGBTQ+ education and the acceptance of LGBTQ+ trainees among different specialties.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A cross-sectional voluntary and anonymous online survey was distributed through REDCap to all medical students (n = 495) at a state medical school. Medical students' sexuality and gender identity were queried. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and the responses were classified into two groups: LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+.
RESULTS
A total of 212 responses were queried. Of the respondents who agreed that certain specialties are less welcoming to LGBTQ+ trainees (n = 69, 39%), orthopedic surgery, general surgery and neurosurgery were identified most frequently (84%, 76%, and 55%, respectively). After analyzing sexual orientation as an influence on choosing a future specialty for residency, only 1% of non-LGBTQ+ students indicated that their sexual orientation influences their specialty of choice in comparison with 30% of LGBTQ+ students (P < 0.001). Finally, more non-LGBTQ+ students indicated that they believe they are receiving appropriate education on caring for LGBTQ+ patients as compared to LGBTQ+ students (71% and 55%, respectively, P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
LGBTQ+ students are still hesitant to pursue careers in General Surgery as compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. The perception that surgical specialties are the least welcoming to LGBTQ+ students continues to be a concern for all students. Further strategies of inclusivity and their effectiveness need to be studied.
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