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. 2021 Oct;45(10):3033-3040.
doi: 10.1007/s00268-021-06222-0. Epub 2021 Jul 3.

Grit in Surgeons

Simone Betchen  1   2 , Anuja Sarode  3 , Susan Pories  4   5 , Sharon L Stein  4   3
Affiliations

Grit in Surgeons

Simone Betchen et al. World J Surg. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Women in surgery are often told that they are not "tough enough" to be surgeons. A Grit Score provides a validated measure of passion and perseverance, which are aspects of "toughness."

Methods: Survey data were collected from residents and attendings in all surgical fields through multiple surgical societies. Grit and burnout were measured using validated measures.

Results: Among surgeons, gender did not have an impact on Grit Score. Burnout had a statistically significant inverse relationship with Grit Score, and women were more likely to report burnout compared to men surgeons.

Conclusions: Women in surgery have just as much grit as their male counterparts. Grit should not be a factor in women pursuing a career in surgery.

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