549 A Study Exploring the Impact of Gender and Ethnicity Diversity on the Experience(s) and Career Development of Surgical Trainees

Abstract

Abstract Despite notable ethnic diversity amongst doctors in the UK, female surgeons from an ethnic minority background are particularly under-represented. It is not known if they experience additional challenges and difficulties during surgical training and or with their career progression due to any possible impact of their gender and ethnicity. A qualitative research methodology was employed, and seven one-to-one interviews were conducted with female participants from ethnically diverse backgrounds. An intersectional approach was used to assess any possible impact of gender and ethnic diversity on experience(s) of surgical trainees and whether or not they had any implications for career progression. Interviews were subsequently transcribed and coded for thematic analysis and for construction of possible theories. Several themes emerged to account for participants' experiences of negative workplace experiences (NWPE) including racism, sexism, and discrimination throughout surgical training. In addition to these factors, unconscious and explicit forms of bias also had the potential to impact a trainee's career progression through reduced access to senior support, mentorship, theatre cases, and research opportunities. Participants detailed other direct contributors affecting career progress including a lack of senior support, reduced access to role models/mentors, conflicting family and cultural pressures, and institutional forms of racism, sexism and discrimination encountered in their job role as a surgeon and the NHS. Further research is needed to explore the intersectional experiences of surgical trainees in order to improve the training environment, retain trainees and encourage diversity within surgical careers.