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Review
. 2022 Aug 16;15(4):258-260.
doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1744209. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Challenges for Women in Hand Surgery: Our Perspective

Julia A V Nuelle  1 , Sonya P Agnew  2 , Felicity G Fishman  3
Affiliations
Review

Challenges for Women in Hand Surgery: Our Perspective

Julia A V Nuelle et al. J Hand Microsurg. .

Abstract

Over recent decades, the prevalence of women in surgical subspecialties has increased. There has been a significant rise in the percentage of women entering integrated plastic surgery programs and an increase, albeit smaller, in women entering orthopedic surgery training programs. Although female membership in the American Society for Surgery of the Hand has steadily increased, women remain in the vast minority within this professional society and many others within the field of hand surgery. In addition to underrepresentation in positions of leadership, women face challenges such as imposter syndrome, bullying, unfavorable work structure for work-family balance, macro and micro-aggressions, and lack of mentors at a higher rate than their male colleagues. As awareness rises of the additional challenges that women in hand surgery face, we must directly address them to improve equity within our subspecialty.

Keywords: challenges for women; gender equity; underrepresentation; women in hand surgery.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

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