The Nonwhite Woman Surgeon: A Rare Species

Abstract

Background: As of 2012, 39% of medical student graduates were nonwhite, yet very few nonwhite women graduates chose to become surgeons.

Methods: To better understand issues regarding nonwhite women in surgery, an online survey was sent to surgeons across the United States. Results are based on self-reported data. Mean data are reported.

Results: A total of 194 surgeons (42% women) completed the survey; only 12% of responders were nonwhite. Overall, 56% of nonwhite women felt they earned less than what men surgeons earn for equal work. Nonwhite women surgeons earned less than what men surgeons ($224,000 vs. 351,000, p < 0.00002) and white women surgeons ($285,000, p = 0.02) earned. Overall, 96% of nonwhite surgeons believed that racial discrimination currently exists among surgeons.

Conclusions: The few nonwhite women surgeons in the United States recognize that they are paid significantly less than what other surgeons are paid. Inequitable remuneration and a discriminatory work environment encountered by nonwhite women surgeons must be addressed.

Keywords: Practice-Based Learning and Improvement; Professionalism; Systems-Based Practice; disparity; race; salary; surgeon; women.