Gender Differences in Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Vascular Surgery Among Prospective Preclinical Medical Students

Abstract

Women account for approximately 15% of the vascular surgery workforce, yet represent 50% of all medical school matriculants. Despite a focus on increasing diversity among vascular surgeons, gender disparities in vascular surgery persist. In order to encourage increased representation of women entering vascular specialties, efforts have been made at the national level to create programs for mentorship and leadership development; however, efforts to increase awareness of vascular surgery at early stages of training have been limited. We aimed to characterize the attitudes and perceptions of prospective female vascular trainees in the preclinical phase of medical school. A panel hosted virtually by the Vascular and Endovascular Surgical Society National Vascular Surgery Interest Group (VSIG) was held to introduce the field of vascular surgery to prospective medical students with limited exposure to vascular surgery. Attendees to this event were asked to complete an anonymous survey prior to the start of the panel. Student t test and χ2 test were used to compare survey responses by gender. Out of the 114 attendees, there were 52 responses to the survey. Women made up 48.1% of respondents and were first (44.0%) and second year (56.0%) medical students. There were a similar number of Asian and White respondents of both genders; however, there were fewer women who identified as Black or Hispanic as compared to men (8.0% vs 14.8%; P < .001) (Table I). A greater number of men were interested in vascular surgery as compared to women (48.1% vs 36.0%; P < .001) at the time of the survey; however, women were more likely to be interested in other surgical specialties (ENT, orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, ophthalmology) (Table I). Female respondents were significantly less interested in the 5+2 vascular surgery training paradigm as compared to male respondents (P = .012) (Table II). A greater percentage of women reported that they did not have a VSIG at their home institution (32.0% vs 14.8%; P < .001) (Table I). Female respondents had similar interest in integrated vascular surgery programs as male counterparts, but were less interested in the 5+2 training paradigm. With the expansion of integrated programs, students may be encouraged to commit to a specialty earlier in training; however, female respondents were less likely to have a VSIG to facilitate early introductions to vascular surgery. These results highlight the need for early recruitment strategies toward women and an increased focus on establishing VSIGs at institutions.Table IDemographics and perceptions of available National Vascular Surgery Interest Group (VSIG)Female (n = 25)Male (n = 27)P valueYear<.001 MS111 (44.0)12 (44.4) MS214 (56.0)7 (25.9) MS30 (0)5 (18.5) MS40 (0)2 (7.4) Other0 (0)1 (3.7)Program<.001 MD23 (92.0)26 (96.3) DO1 (4.0)0 (0) IMG1 (4.0)1 (3.7)Geographic location<.001 International2 (8.0)4 (14.8) Midwest8 (32.0)10 (37.0) Northeast6 (24.0)9 (33.3) South2 (8.0)1 (3.7) West7 (28.0)3 (11.1)Race<.001 White12 (48.0)12 (44.4) Black1 (4.0)2 (7.4) Asian10 (40.0)11 (40.7) Hispanic1 (4.0)2 (7.4) Other1 (4.0)0 (0)Specialty choice<.001 Cardiothoracic surgery2 (8.0)1 (3.7) Cardiology1 (4.0)2 (7.4) Emergency medicine0 (0)1 (3.7) ENT2 (8.0)0 (0) General surgery4 (16.0)6 (22.2) Internal medicine1 (4.0)1 (3.7) Interventional radiology0 (0)1 (3.7) Ophthalmology1 (4.0)0 (0) Orthopedic surgery1 (4.0)0 (0) Pediatrics0 (0)1 (3.7) Vascular surgery9 (36.0)13 (48.1) Undecided4 (16.0)1 (3.7)Active VSIG at home institution19 (76.0)13 (61.9)0.301VSIG was first introduction to vascular surgery?<.001 Yes11 (44.0)12 (44.4) No6 (24.0)11 (40.7) No VSIG available8 (32.0)4 (14.8)VSIG provides adequate information to gain exposure to vascular surgery?<.001 Yes12 (48.0)14 (51.9) No1 (4.0)4 (14.8) Neutral5 (20.0)5 (18.5) No VSIG available7 (28.0)4 (14.8)Values are number (5). Open table in a new tab Table IIAttitudes and perceptions toward vascular surgery (Likert scale format 0-5)Female (n = 25)Male (n = 27)P valueFamiliarity with vascular surgery3.04 (1.02)3.37 (1.18).287Interest in vascular surgery4.04 (0.79)3.96 (0.71).712Interest in applying integrated vascular surgery program3.52 (0.96)3.52 (1.31).996Interest in applying 5+2 vascular surgery program3.00 (0.96)3.22 (1.05).012Comfort with reaching out to possible mentors3.84 (0.90)3.96 (1.09).661Understanding of pathways to becoming a vascular surgeon3.28 (1.24)3.44 (1.58).68Understanding of avenues to get involved in vascular surgery2.63 (1.01)3.15 (1.38).133Understanding of typical work week of vascular surgeon2.38 (1.10)2.67 (1.14).358Value are mean (SD). Open table in a new tab