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. 2015 Feb 3:20:25923.
doi: 10.3402/meo.v20.25923. eCollection 2015.

Perceptions of gender-based discrimination during surgical training and practice

Adrienne N Bruce  1 , Alexis Battista  2 , Michael W Plankey  3 , Lynt B Johnson  4 , M Blair Marshall  5
Affiliations

Perceptions of gender-based discrimination during surgical training and practice

Adrienne N Bruce et al. Med Educ Online. .

Abstract

Background: Women represent 15% of practicing general surgeons. Gender-based discrimination has been implicated as discouraging women from surgery. We sought to determine women's perceptions of gender-based discrimination in the surgical training and working environment.

Methods: Following IRB approval, we fielded a pilot survey measuring perceptions and impact of gender-based discrimination in medical school, residency training, and surgical practice. It was sent electronically to 1,065 individual members of the Association of Women Surgeons.

Results: We received 334 responses from medical students, residents, and practicing physicians with a response rate of 31%. Eighty-seven percent experienced gender-based discrimination in medical school, 88% in residency, and 91% in practice. Perceived sources of gender-based discrimination included superiors, physician peers, clinical support staff, and patients, with 40% emanating from women and 60% from men.

Conclusions: The majority of responses indicated perceived gender-based discrimination during medical school, residency, and practice. Gender-based discrimination comes from both sexes and has a significant impact on women surgeons.

Keywords: gender discrimination; sexual harassment; surgery; women; women in medicine; work discrimination.

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