Highlights
- Female orthopaedic surgeons must navigate gender bias throughout their careers.
- 373 female orthopaedic surgeons were anonymously surveyed about workplace conflict.
- A majority reported experiencing workplace conflict due to gender.
- Roughly 1 in 5 female orthopaedic surgeons would not choose this career again.
Abstract
Background: As more women begin to enter the traditionally male-dominated field of orthopaedics, it is critical to examine their experiences in navigating gender-based conflicts in the workplace.
Methods:
An anonymous survey was distributed via a web link to approximately 1,100 members of Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS) and 1,600 members of Women in Orthopaedics (WIO) Facebook group, with an estimated response rate of 50% and 50% respectively and protocols to mitigate duplicate response. Questions included demographics and presented several workplace scenarios.
Results:
Of the 373 respondents, 72% described experiencing some type of workplace conflict self-attributed to being female. Additionally, 8% reported either being forced out or leaving their previous job due to workplace conflict, leading to depression, anxiety, and burnout. 17% of respondents would not choose the same career again if given the opportunity.
Conclusions:
Workplace conflict diminishes a surgeon’s career satisfaction and may ultimately contribute to burnout. Understanding the relationship between gender bias and orthopaedic surgery is essential in moving towards change, and addressing these issues will create a more positive working environment for female surgeons.
Source:
Originally published: September 30, 2022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.09.027
