Abstract

ObjectiveGender disparity in cardiothoracic surgery, but not specifically in congenital heart surgery, has been a growing focus. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences related to gender for women in this field. MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was designed to assess gender perception in 5 domains: training, professional career, clinical practice, personal life, and career outlook. Inclusion criteria were women who trained and are practicing congenital heart surgery in the United States. ResultsEighteen women were identified with a survey response rate of 94% (17/18). The majority of respondents were aged more than 40 years (94%) and White (69%), chose their career in congenital heart surgery during residency (77%), and completed more than 10 years of postgraduate education (56%). More than half were discouraged from congenital heart surgery because of their gender and reported its negative impact on their ability to obtain their first job. The need to “outperform” their male colleagues was nearly universal (94%), and gender pay disparity was reported by 81%. The majority (65%) reported sexual harassment both during surgical training and as staff surgeons. ConclusionsThis survey highlights many areas (discouragement due to gender, sexual harassment, and gender disparities in pay and leadership opportunities) that women may perceive as barriers to a successful career in congenital heart surgery. There is an increasing call to action to mitigate these hurdles for women, both to enter and succeed. It is encouraging that the women surveyed would repeat their career choice and are actively mentoring other women to join this field.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.