Natashia M Seemann1, Fiona Webster2, Helen Alyx Holden3, Carol-Anne E Moulton4, Nancy Baxter5, Christine Desjardins3, Tulin Cil6. 1. Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue Toronto, Suite 3-130, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 2. Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 3. Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 4. Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue Toronto, Suite 3-130, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 5. Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue Toronto, Suite 3-130, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 6. Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue Toronto, Suite 3-130, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Surgery, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: tulin.cil@uhn.ca.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore career satisfaction and advancement for women in academic surgery. METHODS: A 48-item web-based survey was emailed to women surgeons in academic centers across Canada, exploring career advancement, family planning, mentorship, discrimination, and career satisfaction. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 38% (81 of 212); 18% of participants felt they experienced gender discrimination in medical school, 36% in residency, 12% in fellowship, and 41% as staff surgeons. More than half felt that their gender had played a role in the career challenges they faced. Responses to open-ended questions suggested that many surgeons struggled to balance their academic careers with family life. Despite this, participants rated their career satisfaction very highly. CONCLUSIONS: There remain ongoing challenges for women in academic surgery including lack of gender equality, appropriate mentorship, and accommodations for surgeons with families. Continued advancement of women in academic surgery is dependent on addressing these concerns.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore career satisfaction and advancement for women in academic surgery. METHODS: A 48-item web-based survey was emailed to women surgeons in academic centers across Canada, exploring career advancement, family planning, mentorship, discrimination, and career satisfaction. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 38% (81 of 212); 18% of participants felt they experienced gender discrimination in medical school, 36% in residency, 12% in fellowship, and 41% as staff surgeons. More than half felt that their gender had played a role in the career challenges they faced. Responses to open-ended questions suggested that many surgeons struggled to balance their academic careers with family life. Despite this, participants rated their career satisfaction very highly. CONCLUSIONS: There remain ongoing challenges for women in academic surgery including lack of gender equality, appropriate mentorship, and accommodations for surgeons with families. Continued advancement of women in academic surgery is dependent on addressing these concerns.
Authors: Daniel B Joh; Bert van der Werf; Bridget J Watson; Rowan French; Simon Bann; Elizabeth Dennet; Benjamin P T Loveday Journal: JAMA Surg Date: 2020-11-01 Impact factor: 14.766
Authors: Nathan Houchens; Martha Quinn; Molly Harrod; Daniel T Cronin; Sarah Hartley; Sanjay Saint Journal: J Hosp Med Date: 2020-08 Impact factor: 2.960