R. Hirani1, M. Anderson-Crannage1, R.J. Lodescar1,2, M. Etienne1 1New York Medical College, School Of Medicine, Valhalla, NY, USA 2Westchester Medical Center, Surgery, Valhalla, NY, USA
Introduction: Disparity within surgical specialties, particularly gender imbalances, remains a significant concern. This study aims to analyze the trends in the proportion of female surgeons and residents across various specialties. By identifying patterns and predicting when gender parity might be achieved, we hope to contribute to efforts aimed at reducing these disparities and promoting a more inclusive workforce in the surgical field.
Methods: Proportions of female residents and applicants in different primary surgical specialties by year from 2012 to 2022 were obtained from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Data Resource Book. Average annual increases per surgical specialty were calculated using linear regression analysis. Regression models were used to predict when each specialty would reach gender parity.
Results: The proportion of female surgical residents from 2012 to 2022 showed consistent yearly increases with notable variability among specialties. Plastic Surgery Integrated had the highest proportion of female residents, rising from 38% to 47%, with an annual increase of 0.9% (p<0.001), projecting gender parity by 2026. General Surgery's highest annual growth rate of 1.3% (p<0.001) indicates it is on track to achieve gender parity by 2025. Similarly, Thoracic Surgery also showed an annual growth rate of 1.3% with the highest average yearly increase in the proportion of female applicants (2.2%, p<0.05), though parity is not expected until 2035. Even Orthopaedic Surgery with the lowest proportion of female residents showed a gradual increase of 0.6% (p<0.001), rising from 13% to 20%.
Conclusion: These findings underscore significant variability across specialties, with some fields making commendable progress toward gender parity while others lag behind. Much of the gains in gender parity, as seen in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery Integrated, can be attributed to intentional inclusive recruiting and retention strategies. Similar strategies can be applied to fields like Neurological and Orthopaedic surgery which are lagging far behind. This disparity in surgical specialties highlights the need for targeted efforts and interventions in specific surgical disciplines to promote gender equality and ensure a balanced and diverse surgical workforce.