The role of gender in the decision to pursue a surgical career: A qualitative, interview-based study

Abstract

Background: Previous literature has explored the underrepresentation of women in surgery. However, this research has often been quantitative or limited by considering only the perspectives and experiences of women at more advanced career stages. Here, we use a qualitative methodology and a sample of women and men across the career continuum to identify the role that gender plays in the decision to pursue a surgical career.
 Methods: We audio-recorded and transcribed semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 women and 12 men ranging in their level of medical training from medical students to residents to staff surgeons. We used Braun and Clarke’s six-step approach to thematic analysis to analyze the data, maintaining trustworthiness and credibility by employing strategies including reflexivity and participant input. 
 Results: Our findings suggested that the characteristics of surgery and early exposure to the profession served as important factors in participants’ decisions to pursue a surgical career. Although not explicitly mentioned by participants, each of these areas may implicitly be gendered. Gender-based factors explicitly mentioned by participants included the surgical lifestyle and experiences with gender discrimination, including sexual harassment. These factors were perceived as challenges that disproportionately affected women and needed to be overcome when pursuing a surgical career.
 Conclusions: Our findings suggest that gender is more likely to act as a barrier to a career in surgery than as a motivator, especially among women. This suggests a need for early experiences in the operating room and mentorship. Policy change promoting work-life integration and education to target gender discrimination is also recommended.

How gender disparities affect otolaryngology specialty selection: an international cross-sectional survey

“…As this research did not request protected health information from participants, it was exempt from IRB review at Mayo Clinic. This paper has been reported in line with the STROCSS criteria17.…”

Investigation of divergent thinking among surgeons and surgeon trainees in Canada (IDEAS): a mixed-methods study

“…Harnessing the creative potential of surgeons and surgeon trainees could benefit both surgeons and the patient they care for. Initiatives that address barriers to entry for females in surgery, such as mitigating gender discrimination,47 48 and creating opportunities for participation in surgical innovation could be ways to do so.…”

Female and low‐ and middle‐income authorship trends in high‐impact ENT journals (2011–2020)

“…These include a lack of female mentors in surgery, the association of surgery with predominantly masculine traits, perceived poor work‐life balance, and experiences with gender discrimination or harassment. 18 However, Okafor et al, report that as more women are pursuing careers in otolaryngology, this academic gender gap, at least in the U.S. is closing. They suggest that women otolaryngologists in some subspecialities are currently matching their male counterparts more closely in research output, 19 and it is possible that this current study does not yet reflect the progression of this generation into senior research roles.…”

“…Other barriers exist at a much earlier stage and discourage entry into academia from the outset. These include a lack of female mentors in surgery, the association of surgery with predominantly masculine traits, perceived poor work‐life balance, and experiences with gender discrimination or harassment 18 . However, Okafor et al, report that as more women are pursuing careers in otolaryngology, this academic gender gap, at least in the U.S. is closing.…”