O102: Is there a gender disparity in the understanding and perceptions of orthopaedic surgery? Outcomes of The South West Orthopaedic Conference 2023

Abstract

Abstract Aim This study aimed to evaluate the differences in understanding and perceptions of orthopaedic surgery between male and female delegates in a national student-led conference. Method This was a conference organised by students with the support of consultants from The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The pre- and post-conference questionnaire had three sections comprising of understanding, motivations and barriers to pursing orthopaedic surgery. The results of this study analysed the pre-conference data differences between male and female delegates. Mann-Whitney test was used to determine differences in pre-conference responses according to gender. Results 62 delegates completed the questionnaire, of which 63% were male. There were no differences between genders on understanding of orthopaedics in the pre-conference questionnaire (p>0.05). Salary was more of a motivating factor in male delegates compared to female delegates (p<0.05). Lack of role models, number of years spent training and work-life balance were perceived as a barrier in more female compared to male delegates (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in lack of exposure during undergraduate training or negative experiences in orthopaedic placements in both genders. Conclusion The conference data highlighted that lack of role models, work-life balance and the length of orthopaedic training were more of a perceived barrier in females compared to males. We therefore encourage organisations such as Women In Surgery (WinS) and orthopaedic surgeons to encourage more female representatives in orthopaedics by providing provide support for student-led initiatives, to encourage the recruitment of women in orthopaedic surgery.