The Importance of Perceived Barriers to Women Entering and Advancing in Orthopaedic Surgery in the US and Beyond

Amy L. Xu · Casey Jo Humbyrd · Camila Bedeschi Rego de Mattos · Dawn M. LaPorte

20 citations0/0 files storedWorld Journal of Surgery

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

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Global perceptions of barriers to women in orthopaedics have not been assessed. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of international barriers to women entering and advancing within orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: An anonymous, online survey was distributed to women medical students, trainees, and practicing surgeons via Women in Orthopaedics Worldwide, the "Women in Ortho" Facebook page, and individual programmes. Participants were asked to rate perceived barriers to (1) pursuing training and (2) career advancement on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most important and relative to other barriers. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses were employed. RESULTS: The survey yielded 237 US (84.0%) and 45 international (16.0%) respondents. Per entering orthopaedic surgery, the most important barriers were male-dominated culture, lack of a strong women mentor, and lack of female representation at home institution. Compared with the US surgeons/trainees, international respondents cited greater societal disapproval (2.8 ± 1.2 vs. 3.4 ± 1.3, P = 0.01). Medical students assigned less importance to lack of exposure, more to lack of resources for creating competitive applications (P < 0.05). Regarding career advancement, lack of women leadership, family responsibilities, and gender-biased selection for promotion were the most important. International surgeons/trainees noted greater concern for societal disapproval (3.5 ± 1.5 vs. 2.6 ± 1.3, P = 0.003) and were more likely to rank sexual harassment in their top three (17.6 vs. 4.2%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: While notable differences exist, there is striking similarity across countries and position levels in perceived barriers to women entering and advancing in orthopaedic surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

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2016Medical School Experiences Shape Women Students’ Interest in Orthopaedic Surgery 2010Diversity Based on Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Between Academic Orthopaedic Surgery and Other Specialties 2013Residents’ Perceptions of Sex Diversity in Orthopaedic Surgery 2004The Relationship Between Required Medical School Instruction in Musculoskeletal Medicine and Application Rates to Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programs 2023Racial and Sex Disparities in Resident Attrition Among Surgical Subspecialties 2013Few gender differences in specialty preferences and motivational factors: a cross-sectional Swedish study on last-year medical students 2011Factors Affecting Interest in Orthopedics Among Female Medical Students: A Prospective Analysis 2012Why Do Medical Students Choose Orthopaedics as a Career?

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