Training in general surgery: Do male and female residents have different priorities?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Over the past decade, interest in general surgery careers has declined and the number of female medical school graduates has increased. Despite efforts to attract female applicants to general surgery training programs, the treatment of and opportunities available to female residents may be unequal. This study was performed to identify the needs of both male and female surgical residents and to guide design of training programs. Methods: Surgery residents were asked to participate in an online survey on the American College of Surgeons website. Data were analyzed using chi square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: 790 residents (64% male) responded to the survey between October, 2003 and January, 2004. Male and female residents had similar priorities for both selecting a career in surgery and a particular residency program. Differences in planned fellowship selection and career goals were also minimal. There were no statistically significant differences between male and female perceptions of their own training. However, when asked to evaluate whether certain aspects of training were comparable for male and female residents, there were statistically significant differences between the sexes. Table 1 . Male and female responses to survey questions % Males agree or strongly agree % Females agree or strongly agree p Value My case mix is appropriate to my level 73.7 78.6 0.72 I am allowed an appropriate level of responsibility 86.2 87.1 0.82 I receive an adequate level of supervision 88.2 87.9 0.22 All categorical residents are equally encouraged to do research 75.1 68.4 0.05 If I had to choose again I would definitely do surgery 75.7 77.5 0.64 I would strongly encourage medical students to consider a career in surgery 69.6 69.5 0.99 The overall residency experience is comparable for male and female residents 82.2 67.5 ∗ Research opportunities are comparable for male and female residents 89.0 86.3 0.31 The operative experience is comparable for male and female residents 90.7 75.4 ∗ Similar criteria are used to evaluate male and female residents 81.4 68.0 ∗ Female residents are treated in an inferior manner compared to male residents 4.2 16.5 ∗ ∗ Indicates statistical significance (p Conclusions: Male and female surgical residents have almost identical training needs and priorities yet perceive different treatment of male and female residents. This difference may represent an acceptance of unequal treatment. While more female than male residents indicate that females are treated inferiorly, the percentage of such responses is low.