Research Article

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN ORTHOPEDICS: DO EXPERIENCES OF MALE AND FEMALE SURGEONS DIFFER VASTLY?

Volume: 3 Number: 3 December 28, 2024
TR EN

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN ORTHOPEDICS: DO EXPERIENCES OF MALE AND FEMALE SURGEONS DIFFER VASTLY?

Abstract

Objective: Although women comprise nearly half of medical school graduates globally, female orthopedic surgeons in many countries, including Turkey, represent less than 10% of all orthopedists. However, the number of female orthopedic residents is increasing in Turkey. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess and compare the experiences of female orthopedic surgeons in Turkey with their male counterparts, focusing on workplace challenges and surgical inclinations. Methods: A survey was conducted among 110 age-matched orthopedic surgeons (54 females, 56 males). Of the 81 female orthopedic surgeons in Turkey, 54 participated in the study. The demographic data, career satisfaction, experiences of mobbing, surgical interests, and dynamics with colleagues were examined. Ethical approval was obtained. Results: The study included residents and specialists with a mean age of 35.08±8.94 years. The largest pre-residency prejudice for women was mobbing, while for men, it was long working hours (P =.001). The most significant challenge for both genders halfway through residency was long working hours (P =.453). Women reported higher career satisfaction (67.4%) compared to men (58.9%). No significant difference was found between the genders in respect of the incidence of experiencing mobbing at least once in their professional lives (P = .714) Conclusion: Mobbing is a significant issue, particularly for women in surgery, although long working hours affect both genders the most. However, the female surgeons reported experiencing more prejudice from colleagues than was reported by men, highlighting the importance of gender equity in the workplace.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Orthopaedics

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 28, 2024

Submission Date

September 1, 2024

Acceptance Date

December 14, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2024 Volume: 3 Number: 3

AMA
1.Tufan E, Şahbat Y, Tokmak B, Demirel E. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN ORTHOPEDICS: DO EXPERIENCES OF MALE AND FEMALE SURGEONS DIFFER VASTLY? Atatürk Univ Fac Med J Surg Med Sci. 2024;3(3):71-80. doi:10.61745/jsmsau.1540065

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