Retrospective study of the differences in patient characteristics and revenue between male and female surgeons in Taiwan

Surgery is traditionally a male-dominated field, and gender differences exist despite the growing numbers of female surgeons. A handful of studies have evaluated the condition in Asian societies. We aimed to examine the difference between female and male surgeons in urology, general surgery, and gynecology by analyzing a nationwide, population-based database. We identified surgeons with a clinical experience of six to thirteen years between 1995 to 2013 from the National Health Insurance Research Database. We collected patient numbers and revenue per month in outpatient and inpatient care, as well as monthly numbers of surgeries conducted by female and male surgeons in urology, general surgery, and gynecology, for analysis. Original student’s t-test and wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the differences between female and male surgeons, and p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Female urologists and general surgeons had a significantly higher ratio of female patients in Taiwan. Female urologists had patient numbers, revenues, and numbers of surgeries comparable to male urologists. In contrast, female general surgeons had significantly less involvement in outpatient and inpatient care and had low monthly revenues. Female general surgeons contradictorily performed more oncological surgeries per month than males. However, the difference in numbers of oncological surgeries was not significant after excluding breast cancer surgeries. Female gynecologists had a similar amount of outpatients and outpatient revenue but significantly less inpatient care and numbers of surgeries per month. A gender-based gap exists among surgeons in Taiwan. The gap between females and males appeared narrower in urology than in general surgery and gynecology. Management of diseases related to female sex organs, including breast, were more common among female surgeons. Efforts should be made to decrease gender stereotypes, to ensure that patients receive the best care regardless of the sex of the surgeons.

Role Models as a Factor Influencing Career Choice Among Female Surgical Residents inSaudi Arabia

Background and purposeRole models in the medical field are professional and experienced persons whose actions unconsciously inspire juniors to strive to be like them. To our knowledge, no studies have examined whether having a female surgical role model has influenced women to pursue a surgical career in Saudi Arabia. Hence, we sought to evaluate the effect of having a female surgical role model and the presence of female surgeons on female surgical residents and their choice of surgery as a career.MethodsWe employed a cross-sectional, survey- based study design, conducted between June 2020 and January 2021, in which female surgical residents completed a questionnaire on their perceptions and influence of role models in general surgery specialty at the time they pursuit a career in surgery.ResultsA total of 51 respondents (78.5%) completed the questionnaire. The majority of them (78.4%) had a role model and (19.6%) indicated that their role model was a female. Of those who had a role model, (67.5%) agreed that they had a positive influence on their surgical career choice. Clinical and operation skills were reported as the most important factor to be considered about role models. Working directly with a male surgical consultant and female surgical residents left a positive influence but this did not reach a statistical significance.ConclusionPersonal exposure to role models can have a positive influence on female surgical residents in choosing a surgical career. provide a appropriate role models as well as formal mentorship programs are warranted, that would allow female trainees to interact with senior surgeon mentors, thereby drawing attention to the field of surgery.

Current challenges for women in orthopaedics

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.

Maxillofacial Female Surgeons: Perspectives and Obstacles

There are many challenges and many barriers to the maxillofacial profession for female surgeons, particularly the beginners of their career. The reported analysis data revealed that this is not concentrated in developing countries, but it is unexpectedly found in many developed and high-income countries. The continued progress of women in academic surgery depends on addressing such issues and trying to solve these challenging problems.