The effects of sex, race and the hidden curriculum on medical students' career choices: lessons for orthopaedics

Abstract

With falling applicant numbers, we investigate the factors that have a negative impact on students' perception of trauma and orthopaedics.

Women in trauma and orthopaedics: are we losing them at the first hurdle?

“…Among women who did not wish to pursue T&O, 63.1% stated that a high male to female ratio and perception of a male-dominant culture of T&O influenced their decision (Figure 2a). These findings are concordant with past studies that showed that the absence of a "critical mass" of women discouraged them from pursuing T&O (14,22). Women that eventually enter orthopaedic training often encounter unconscious bias, microaggressions, and discriminatory language that may make them feel excluded (23).…”

“…Despite the development of new techniques and equipment, T&O is still viewed as a speciality that requires physical strength for the completion of procedural tasks (8,14).…”

Getting the culture right

“…7 These myths are often perpetrated by other specialties with an outdated view of our speciality. 8 It has been shown that medical students are more likely to pursue orthopaedics if they see themselves as having the same traits as the traditional 'white, athletic, male' orthopaedic surgeon. 9 However, diversity has repeatedly been shown to improve innovation and patient outcomes, [10][11][12] so we need to work harder to make a career in orthopaedics accessible to all.…”

The Effect of Implicit Bias and Current Culture in Orthopaedic Surgery

“…In addition, the subspecialty is often perceived as an old boys' club, where sexism is prevalent and women are disadvantaged. 3,6 Whether or not these stereotypes are based in truth, it is often the perception of orthopaedic surgeons to those outside the specialty, including medical students who have yet to decide their career path. 3 The importance of role models cannot be over emphasized in the recruitment of future orthopaedic surgeons.…”