Role models as a factor influencing career choice among female surgical residents in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background and purpose Role models in the medical field are professional and experienced persons whose actions unconsciously inspire juniors to strive to be like them. To our knowledge, no studies have examined whether having a female surgical role model has influenced women to pursue a surgical career in Saudi Arabia. Hence, we sought to evaluate whether identifying role models in surgery influences career choice and defined the ideal qualities of a surgical role model as perceived by newly qualified doctors. Methods We employed a cross-sectional, survey- based study design, conducted between June 2020 and January 2021, in which female surgical residents completed a questionnaire about their perceptions and influence of role models in general surgery specialty at the time they pursue a career in surgery. Results A total of 51 respondents completed the questionnaire. The majority of them (78.4%) had a role model and (19.6%) indicated that their role model was a female. Of those who had a role model, (67.5%) agreed that they experienced a positive influence on their surgical career choice. Clinical and operation skills were reported as the most remarkable factor to be considered in their role models. Working directly with a male surgical consultant and female surgical residents imprinted a positive influence but this did not reach a statistical significance. Conclusion The findings of this article contribute empirically to the strong effects of the same-sex role models and highlight the curial role of surgical residents in influencing female’s career choices in general surgery as an achievable and attainable domain. Which encourage the creation of national mentorship programs and exploring more in barriers for pursuing a surgical career.

A census of general surgery consultants in England and Wales: implications for the current and future surgical workforce

“…Surgery remains a relatively unpopular career choice for medical students 18 and the lack of gender equality and role models in university hospitals, which medical students have greatest exposure to, is unlikely to inspire them into a surgical profession. 19 – 21 There were also considerable differences among subspecialties, and these were also most marked in tertiary hospitals; fewer than 10% of upper GI or HPB surgeons were female, and the most under-represented group were female surgeons who studied in non-UK universities.…”

Body painting, ultrasound, clinical examination, and peer‐teaching: A student‐centered approach to enhance musculoskeletal anatomy learning

“…The necessity to contribute to the formation of students' professional identity as early as possible has been emphasized (Pawlina, 2019), with a greater role attributed to the basic sciences (Bryan et al, 2005; Pawlina, 2006; Netterstrøm & Kayser, 2008; Cruess et al, 2018). A particularly positive effect occurred in the presence of female role models (Geerlings et al, 2016; Harun et al, 2022). Further studies should contribute to optimizing the selection and training of students and junior trainees for surgical residency programs (Preece & Cope, 2016).…”

Factors Affecting the Satisfaction of Women Employees in Health Sector: A Perception Study in Saudi Arabia

“…[21][22][23][24][25] Besides, the majority of women still feel that although a majority of institutional barriers have been eliminated, they are yet to receive equal representation in various employment opportunities. [26][27][28] Therefore, it becomes essential to examine how women workers perceive their work environments with a specific focus on healthcare.…”