Experiences of Canadian Female Orthopaedic Surgeons in the Workplace

Laurie Anne Hiemstra · Sarah Kerslake · Marcia Clark · Claire F. Temple‐Oberle · Erin Boynton

37 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery

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Diversity and Career in Medicine Gender Diversity and Inequality Sex and Gender in Healthcare

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Only 13.6% of orthopaedic surgeons in Canada are women, even though there is nothing inherent to the practice of orthopaedic surgery that favors men over women. Clearly, there is a need to identify, define, and measure the barriers faced by women in orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to 330 female-identifying Canadian orthopaedic surgeons and trainees and included the validated Gender Bias Scale (GBS) and questions about career burnout. The barriers for women in Canadian orthopaedics were identified using the GBS. The relationships between the GBS and burnout were investigated. Open-text questions explored the barriers perceived by female orthopaedic surgeons. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 220 female orthopaedic surgeons and trainees (66.7%). Five barriers to gender equity were identified from the GBS: Constrained Communication, Unequal Standards, Male Culture, Lack of Mentoring, and Workplace Harassment. Career burnout correlated with the GBS domains of Male Privilege (r = 0.215; p < 0.01), Disproportionate Constraints (r = 0.152; p < 0.05), and Devaluation (r = 0.166; p < 0.05). Five main themes emerged from the open-text responses, of which 4 linked closely to the barriers identified in the GBS. Work-life integration was also identified qualitatively as a theme, most notably the difficulty of balancing disproportionate parental and childcare responsibilities alongside career aspirations. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 5 barriers to workplace equity for Canadian female orthopaedic surgeons were identified using the validated GBS and substantiated with qualitative assessment using a mixed-methods approach. Awareness of these barriers is a necessary step toward dismantling them and changing the prevailing culture to be fair and equitable for all. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A just and equitable orthopaedic profession is imperative to have healthy and thriving surgeons who are able to provide optimal patient care.

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References

2002Role congruity theory of prejudice toward female leaders.2001Description and Prescription: How Gender Stereotypes Prevent Women's Ascent Up the Organizational Ladder 2019Diversity improves performance and outcomes 2015The Production of Inequality: The Gender Division of Labor Across the Transition to Parenthood 2016Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Experiences of Academic Medical Faculty 2016Where Are the Women in Orthopaedic Surgery?2011Who Takes the Floor and Why 2008The future of neurosurgery: a white paper on the recruitment and retention of women in neurosurgery

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