Current challenges for women in orthopaedics

Abstract

Orthopaedics has been left behind in the worldwide drive towards diversity and inclusion. In the UK, only 7% of orthopaedic consultants are female. There is growing evidence that diversity increases innovation as well as patient outcomes. This paper has reviewed the literature to identify some of the common issues affecting female surgeons in orthopaedics, and ways in which we can address them: there is a wealth of evidence documenting the differences in the journey of men and women towards a consultant role. We also look at lessons learned from research in the business sector and the military. The 'Hidden Curriculum' is out of date and needs to enter the 21st century: microaggressions in the workplace must be challenged; we need to consider more flexible training options and support trainees who wish to become pregnant; mentors, both male and female, are imperative to provide support for trainees. The world has changed, and we need to consider how we can improve diversity to stay relevant and effective. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2-10:893-899.

Keywords: Bias; British Orthopaedic Association; Female; Flexible training; Gender; Hidden Curriculum; Leadership; Microaggressions; Orthopaedics; Pregnancy; Sterotype; cohort study; depression; ophthalmology; orthopaedic surgeons; orthopaedic surgery; polymethyl methacrylate; postoperative complication; strength’; suturing.

Fig. 1

Percentage of female consultants and trainees in surgical specialties.

Fig. 2

Reproduced with the permission from the International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance: Green JA, Chye VPC, Hiemstra LA, et al. *Data collected from each nation’s orthopaedic association.

Fig. 3

Statistically significant words used to describe male and female leaders.