Female Surgeons Research Articles

Open Globe Injury Repairs Among Medicare Beneficiaries from 2011 to 2020

ABSTRACT Purpose To explore patient and surgeon characteristics for open globe injury repairs (OGRs) and rates of subsequent operations. Methods Using a retrospective cohort design, eyes of patients ≥18 years who underwent OGR among 100% Medicare Fee-For-Service dataset from 2011 to 2020 were included. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes were used to identify OGR. Patient characteristics were reported, and surgeon characteristics were stratified by sex and compared using Chi-square and Student’s t-test. Overall rate of subsequent operations was reported, and trends of subsequent operations over time were assessed using Cochrane-Armitage trend test. Results A total of 16,576 patients with a mean age of 73.89 years (±12.89) underwent OGR. Most patients were White (79.68%, n = 13,207) and 49.44% (n = 8196) were female. More patients resided in a rural area (18.71%; n = 3102) relative to surgeon location (4.51%, n = 748; p < 0.001). A total of 5,898 surgeons performed these OGRs with 77.33% (n = 4,561) male and 22.67% (n = 1,337) female surgeons. Male surgeons performed most of the OGRs (76.35%, n = 12,655; p < 0.001). On average, a surgeon performed a single OGR annually (Mean: 1.08 ± 1.04; Range: 0.11–40). Among all OGRs, 51% (8,452/16,576) had ≥1 subsequent operations in median 29 days (IQR: 10–86), which increased during the last decade from 47% to 51% (p = 0.008). Conclusion Geographic and workforce disparities in ocular trauma warrant future investigation. Further studies can also assess the reasons for increase in the incidence of subsequent procedures after OGR over time.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon to Entrepreneur

The author, a female cardiothoracic surgeon with an MBA, explains that she became a doctor to heal people, and earned an MBA to heal more people. She shares her experience of collaborating with a fellow MBA student to develop a cardiac diagnostic medical device, which uses a proprietary mathematical algorithm to monitor changes in vascular health. The device has been tested on nearly 700 patients and is currently awaiting FDA clearance. The article highlights the benefits of having an MBA in the medical field, including the ability to build and leverage oneself as a brand, and to address problems differently.

Association of surgeon's sex, and surgeon-patient dyad with financial outcomes among patients undergoing cancer surgery.

Surgeon sex has been associated with perioperative clinical outcomes among patients undergoing oncologic surgery. There may be variations in financial outcomes relative to the surgeon-patient dyad. We sought to define the association of surgeon's sex with perioperative financial outcomes following cancer surgery. Patients who underwent resection of lung, breast, hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB), or colorectal cancer between 2014 and 2021 were identified from the Medicare Standard Analytic Files. A generalized linear model with gamma regression was utilized to characterize the association between sex concordance and expenditures. Among 207,935 Medicare beneficiaries (breast: n = 14,753, 7.1%, lung: n = 59,644, 28.7%, HPB: n = 23,400, 11.3%, colorectal: n = 110,118, 53.0%), 87.8% (n = 182,643) and 12.2% (n = 25,292) of patients were treated by male and female surgeons, respectively. On multivariable analysis, female surgeon sex was associated with slightly reduced index expenditures (mean difference -$353, 95%CI -$580, -$126; p = 0.003). However, there were no differences in 90-day post-discharge inpatient (mean difference -$-225, 95%CI -$570, -$121; p = 0.205) and total expenditures (mean difference $133, 95%CI -$279, $545; p = 0.525). There was minor risk-adjusted variation in perioperative expenditures relative to surgeon sex. To improve perioperative financial outcomes, a diverse surgical workforce with respect to patient and surgeon sex is warranted.

Concerns, Perceptions, and Career Considerations of Female Medical Students Interested in Neurosurgery: A Qualitative Case Study

Neurosurgery exhibits notably lower representation of Black, Hispanic, and female surgeons compared to various other medical and surgical specialties. Existing research focuses on medical students' views on surgeons, factors influencing female medical students' preferences in surgical fields, and the perceived interests and concerns of students contemplating a career in neurosurgery. However, there is a significant gap in understanding the unique concerns and perspectives of female medical students interested in neurosurgery. Semistructured interviews with female medical students were recruited from medical schools in the District of Columbia area. Interview questions were based on Lent and Brown's Social Cognitive Career Theory. Transcripts were analyzed thematically into codes. In total, 8 female medical students from our institution participated. We identified 3 major themes that influenced medical students decision-making: sense of belonging (diversity, mentorship, and passionate), self-efficacy (ambitious/"gunner," intense/competitive), and outcome expectations (innovation/research, immediate impact, procedural/surgical aspect, salary, and work-life balance). Female medical students face distinct challenges and factors to consider when choosing a career in neurological surgery. The biggest concern for female students was a sense of belonging. It is imperative to enhance the diversity within the neurosurgical specialty and boost the representation of female neurosurgeons. Early interventions designed to tackle and alleviate their specific concerns are pivotal in achieving this goal.

Perceptions of female surgeons in the workplace; a cultural and social struggle

BackgroundWomen in surgery face distinctive challenges, barriers, and obstacles in the workplace. The objective of this work was to evaluate perceptions toward female surgeons from a personal, cultural, and professional perspective in a tertiary hospital in Cuenca (Ecuador). MethodsQualitative ethnographic study based on the SRQR guidelines. Fourteen participants took part and were split into two groups: health personnel who work closely with surgeons and patients and family members. All underwent semi-structured interviews which explored themes of personal, cultural, and professional perceptions of female surgeons in their work environment. Additionally, ideas of gender biases were assessed. After transcribing the interviews, patterns, and trends in the data were encoded, followed by the categorization and identification of significant relationships. Data analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti software version 23. ResultsThree main dimensions emerged and were identified: ‘Barriers’, ‘Equity’, and ‘Recognition’. A high frequency of barriers (discrimination and stereotypes) has been identified, and the recognition of female surgeons as capable and competent remains insufficient. ConclusionGender biases that negatively impact female surgeons persist. In the fight against eradicating discrimination, we must promote equal opportunities and enhance recognition of women's surgical practice in Latin America and worldwide.

Sex differences in altmetric attention scores and traditional impact metrics of top-cited general surgery literature: Cracks in the ceiling?

Sex disparities have previously been identified in surgical academia. This study examines sex differences in the top-cited contemporary general surgery articles and compares Altimetric Attention Score (AAS) and other impact metrics between male and female corresponding authors (CAs). We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most cited articles published between 2019 and 2021 in each of the top 10 general surgery journals based on the 2021 Journal Impact Factor. Impact metrics included AAS, citation count, and H-index of the CA. We used multivariable regression analyses to investigate whether the sex of the CA or first author (FA) was independently associated with AAS and citation count. Among 1000 articles, 23.1% had female CAs and 27.4% female FAs. Female CA articles had higher AAS (13.0 [2.0-63.0] vs. 8.0 [1.0-28.5]; p<0.001) and lower H-indices (24.0 [11.0-45.0] vs. 31.0 [17.0-50.0]; p=0.015). Although median citation count did not differ by CA sex, articles with Level 1 evidence and a female CA were cited more often (35.5 [24.0-85.0] vs. 25.0 [16.0 vs. 46.0]; p<0.05). In multivariable regression, female CA articles had higher AAS (OR: 1.002 [95% CI: 1.001-1.004]) and lower H-index (OR: 0.987 [95% CI: 0.977-0.997]). Despite having similar citation counts, articles authored by female CAs exhibit higher AAS scores compared to those authored by their male counterparts. While it is heartening that research authored by female surgeons achieves significant visibility, it remains to be understood how this translates into academic impact and scholarly recognition.

Gender representation in Canadian surgical leadership and medical faculties: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOver the past two and half decades, Canadian medical school students have become majority female, and the medical workforce is therefore increasingly comprised of female physicians. Whether this change, however, has been reflected in the gender balance within medical school faculty positions and leadership has not been well studied in Canada.MethodsThis cross-sectional study examined the genders of full-time faculty members from the most recently available AFMC data, the current heads of departments of medicine and surgery from department websites and confirmed with respective universities.ResultsOverall, women held 40.5% of full-time faculty positions in Canadian faculties of medicine. Female representation decreased with increasing academic rank, from 57.8% of instructors to 50.8% of assistant, 39.2% of associate, and 28.1% of full professors, respectively, with the greatest rate of increase over the past decade among full professors (0.75% per year). The heads of departments of family medicine were majority female (67%), and heads internal medicine at parity (50% female), consistent with numbers of practicing physicians. However, the heads of surgical divisions were majority male (86% overall). Accounting for the gender balance of practicing surgeons, male compared to female surgeons were 2.9 times as likely to be division head (95% CI 1.78–4.85, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsWomen remain underrepresented in Canadian faculties of medicine in leadership positions. Leadership in departments of surgery has particularly low female representation, even relative to the proportion of practicing female surgeons within the respective discipline.

Public Preferences for Surgeon Gender in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Gender equity in healthcare ensures equal access to services and resources for all individuals, regardless of gender. Studies show that patients' gender influences their healthcare experiences and decisions, and societal gender preferences impact surgeon selection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to address the surgeons' gender preferences among Saudi Arabia's population. This study used a cross-sectional research design and survey methodology to gather data from a representative sample of adults aged 18 and older from the general population in Saudi Arabia. This study used SPSS version 26 for statistical data entry and analysis, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, frequency distributions, descriptive statistics, and multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regression for variables significantly associated with population gender in univariate analysis. This study involved 2085 participants, with 51.2% aged 18-25, 18.4% aged 26-35, 16.7% aged 36-45, and 13.8% aged 45 and above. The majority were Saudi Arabian, with a majority holding a university degree. The majority worked in the healthcare sector, while the remaining 29.7% were unemployed. This study found that there were significant gender preferences among survey respondents for different types of surgical procedures. Male participants preferred male surgeons for routine non-emergency visits and sensitive obstetric, genital, sexual, and minor procedures (p < 0.001). Female participants, on the other hand, had no preference for emergency surgeries and major surgical procedures (p < 0.001). This study found that participants were more likely to prefer female surgeons for regular non-emergency visits to the surgery clinic (p < 0.001; aOR = 2.344). Additionally, participants had a high preference for female surgeons for sensitive cases (p < 0.001; aOR = 7.064) and minor surgical procedures (p < 0.001; aOR = 2.489). This study underscores the significance of cognizance and the incorporation of a patient's gender preferences when selecting surgical procedures, thus fostering an environment that is more accommodating and focused on the patient.

Family Planning in Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Comparison Between Male and Female Surgeons

BackgroundAlthough work-family balance impacts specialty selection for medical students of both sexes, pregnancy and childbearing experiences are unique to women. Cardiothoracic surgery, with low female representation, must prioritize these issues to support women entering the field. This study compared family planning experiences between male and female cardiothoracic surgeons. MethodsAn anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to cardiothoracic trainees and surgeons from January to June 2023. Descriptive data were collected on family planning perceptions, assisted reproductive technology use, number of children, and pregnancy characteristics (maternal age, complications, miscarriage). Male surgeons reported pregnancy outcomes of their childbearing partners. ResultsOf 378 participants, 45.77% were women, and mean age was 44.40 ± 11.59 years. Compared with male surgeons, female surgeons were more often deterred from pursuing cardiothoracic surgery due to a desire to have children (41.62% vs 22.93%, P = .004), more often used assisted reproductive technology (32.37% vs 15.12%, P < .001), had fewer children (1.92 vs 2.48, P < .001), and had fewer children than desired (40.81% vs 25.14%, P < .001). Compared with partners of male surgeons, female surgeons were older at first live birth (34 vs 32 years, P < .001). Among female surgeons, 73 (42.40%) experienced 155 miscarriages, and 54 (74%) reported taking 0 days off from work after miscarriage. ConclusionsThe path to parenthood varies significantly by sex for cardiothoracic surgeons, with women more likely to be deterred from the profession by perceived challenges. Policies that promote work-family integration, support maternal-fetal health, and provide support following fetal loss are needed.

Variables associated with the prevalence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders in veterinary laparoscopic surgeons.

To investigate the relationship between physical attributes and difficulty performing laparoscopic maneuvers with the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal injury. Online survey. Surgeons (n = 140) with 3 or more years of laparoscopic experience. Electronic survey distributed via LISTSERVEs and Facebook groups. Responses collected included surgeon attributes, presence of musculoskeletal injuries, and surgical practice data. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, linear regression, logistic regression, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. A total of 52 of the 140 respondents reported a musculoskeletal injury with 38 specifying at least one injury (72%). Neck strain was the most prevalent reported musculoskeletal injury (18/52, 34.6%), followed by shoulder tendinopathies (16/52, 30.8%), arm/hand tendonitis (8/52, 15.4%), carpal tunnel (7/52, 13.5%), back pain (4/52, 7.7%) and arm/hand arthritis (1/52, 1.9%). Women were significantly more likely to report a musculoskeletal problem than men (p = .011) with the odds of women reporting a musculoskeletal injury 2.59 times greater than men. Women and surgeons with smaller glove sizes were significantly more likely to report shoulder tendonitis (p = .034, p = .1) and neck strain (p = .009, p = .001). Respondents with a musculoskeletal problem experienced significantly more difficulty using rotating cup biopsy forceps (p < .001) and perceived this as difficult a greater amount of time (p = .006). Female surgeons report more musculoskeletal injuries than their male counterparts. Surgeons with musculoskeletal injuries experience more difficulty performing particular laparoscopic maneuvers. Improving ergonomics for women and surgeons with smaller glove sizes must be prioritized to improve surgeon health and laparoscopic instrument use.

Risk Factors for Major Pregnancy Complications in Female Cardiothoracic Surgeons.

To describe the incidence of and risk factors for pregnancy complications in female cardiothoracic surgeons compared to women of similar sociodemographic profiles. Female cardiothoracic surgeons often postpone childbearing, but little is known about their pregnancy outcomes. A self-administered survey was distributed to US cardiothoracic surgeons/trainees in 2023. Surgeons with ≥1 live birth were queried on maternal work hours during pregnancy and major antenatal pregnancy complications. Male surgeons answered on behalf of non-surgeon childbearing partners (female non-surgeons). The study included 255 surgeons (63.53% male; 36.47% female). Compared to female surgeons, male surgeons more often had partners who were not employed outside the home (25.64% vs. 13.33%, P<0.001). Female surgeons were older than female non-surgeons at first live birth (34.494.41 vs. 31.454.16, P<0.001), more often worked >60 hours/week during pregnancy (70.33% vs. 14.08%, P<0.001), and more often had pregnancy complications (45.16% vs. 27.16%, P=0.003; OR 1.78, 95%CI:1.01-3.13). Among female surgeons, 18.28% reduced work hours during pregnancy. During their third trimester, 54.84% worked >6 overnight calls/month and 72.04% operated >12 hours/week. Age35yrs (OR 3.28, 95%CI 1.27-8.45) and operating >12 hours/week during the third trimester (OR 3.72, 95%CI 1.04-13.30) were associated with pregnancy complications. Female cardiothoracic surgeons are more likely to experience major pregnancy complications than non-surgeon partners of their male peers. Long operative hours during pregnancy and older maternal age are significant risk factors for pregnancy complications. To advance gender equity, policies to protect maternal-fetal health and facilitate childbearing during training and early career are needed.

Fertility and pregnancy complications in female orthopaedic surgeons.

While the number of female medical graduates continues to increase, only a few pursue an orthopaedic career. This is related to challenges regarding pregnancy and the peripartum period during orthopaedic training. To evaluate fertility, pregnancy-related complications and attitudes towards female orthopaedic surgeons in Israel. An electronic anonymous 34-question electronic web-based survey was sent to all Israeli female orthopaedic surgeons. Participation was voluntary. Questions were formulated to determine demographics, obstetrics medical history, teratogenic exposure, medical leave and breastfeeding parameters along with attitude towards pregnancy. Twenty-six orthopaedic surgeons complied with the survey, 68% of all registered female orthopaedic surgeons. Participants age was 39.5 (±8.8). The average number of children for a female orthopaedic surgeon was 2.2 (±1.4), with an average of 1.3 (±1.1) deliveries during residency. The average age for a first child was 31.1 (±3.7) years. Four surgeons required fertility treatments and six had abortions. Thirty-eight per cent experienced pregnancy complications. Most surgeons were exposed to radiation and bone cement during pregnancy. The average duration of maternity leave was 19.4 (±9.9) weeks and return to work was associated with cessation of breastfeeding. Seventy-six per cent of surgeons felt that pregnancy had negatively influenced their training, and 12% reported negative attitudes from colleagues and supervisors. Orthopaedic surgeons in Israel experience a delay in childbirth and higher rates of pregnancy complications. Most feel that their training is harmed by pregnancy. Programme directors should design a personalized support programme for female surgeons during pregnancy and the peripartum period.

Ergonomic considerations for unique surgeon populations.

Surgeons are rapidly diversifying as a population, introducing new ergonomic challenges. This review describes the challenges that are experienced by special populations of surgeons including small-handed surgeons, pregnant surgeons, and trainees, and evidence-based solutions to overcome them. Small-handed and female surgeons report more musculoskeletal complaints compared with their male counterparts. Pregnant surgeons frequently report development or worsening of musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome and low back pain. Trainees also report high rates of musculoskeletal complaints with minimal autonomy to alter their environment. Limited objective data exists regarding the ideal instruments currently available for special populations. Several small, randomized studies have proposed exercise regimens targeting the upper extremities and pregnancy-related pain syndromes with improvements in symptoms. Various methods of ergonomic education have been studied in trainees with improvements in operating room posture and performance. Limited objective data is available to recommend specific surgical instruments for high-risk surgeon populations. Beneficial exercise regimens have been described for musculoskeletal disorders commonly plaguing surgeons but have yet to be studied explicitly in small-handed or pregnant surgeons and trainees.

Describing the women of orthopaedic surgery.

The purpose of this survey study was to examine the demographic and lifestyle factors of women currently in orthopaedic surgery. An electronic survey was conducted of practising female orthopaedic surgeons based in the USA through both the Ruth Jackson Society and the online Facebook group "Women of Orthopaedics". The majority of surveyed female orthopaedic surgeons reported being married (76.4%; 285/373) and having children (67.6%; 252/373). In all, 66.5% (247/373) were collegiate athletes; 82.0% (306/373) reported having no female orthopaedic surgeon mentors in undergraduate and medical school. Their mean height is 65.8 inches and average weight is 147.3 lbs. The majority of female orthopaedic surgeons did not have female mentorship during their training. Additionally, biometrically, their build is similar to that of the average American woman.

Discrimination against the female surgeon in the exercise of her profession.

To describe the discrimination experienced by the general female surgeon. Prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study, with a survey of 30 questions, closed, anonymous, voluntary and confidential, distributed through a link in the WhatsApp chat in a closed group of female surgeons who are members of the Asociación Mexicana de Cirugía General. 146 female surgeons participated, with a response rate of 58.4%. The discrimination perceived by female surgeons in training was 86 (58.9%), and 28 (19.2%) when they are already surgeons by not allowing them to perform the same procedures as their peers. Regarding the patients, discrimination against female surgeons was 72 (49.3%). They do not call them doctors, but "ladies", in 126 (86.3%), and they are asked to perform nursing duties in 120 (82.2%). On the other hand, there is also discrimination against female surgeons by nursing staff in 87 (59.6%). Discrimination is common in the daily surgical practice of female surgeons in all three areas: peers, patients, and nursing staff. This is an initial work, where the quantification of discrimination in Mexico is carried out. Strategies must be implemented to avoid discrimination against female surgeons and be in an environment of equality.

Compatibility of Family Planning and Surgical Training in Switzerland

Abstract Background Surgeons undertake a long training and have stressful work schedules during optimal childbearing age. Training and career plans can entice young surgeons to renounce part-time work and delay pregnancy, risking pregnancy complications and infertility. Aims This survey study aims to determine the prevalence and constraints of part-time work and family planning among young surgeons in Switzerland. Methods An anonymous, voluntary survey was distributed to young board-certified surgeons. It queried work schedules and desire for part-time work as well as history of pregnancies and use of assisted reproductive treatment. Results A total of 375 surgeons participated, 308 were included (157 female, 151 male). There were no differences in current age (male median 37 (IQR 5), female 37 (6), p=0.93), median age at medical school graduation (male 26 (2), female 26 (2), p=0.90), and mean time to board certification (male 8.3 (SD 2.4), female 8.2 (SD 2.7), p=0.61). Female surgeons had a higher rate of part-time employment (38% vs 19%, p=0.0002). More male surgeons had children compared to their female counterparts (70% vs 45%, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Female surgeons were older (median 35 (IQR 4.5)) than male surgeons (median 33.5 (IQR 3.25), p=0.0002) and female partners of male surgeons (median 32 (IQR 3), p&amp;lt;0.0001) at birth of their first child. Female surgeons more frequently desired further children (71% vs 38%, p&amp;lt;0.0001) and delayed pregnancy due to training (74% vs 22%, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Female surgeons had longer time to conceive (&amp;gt;12 months 24% vs 10%, p=0.014), lower spontaneous pregnancy rates (82% vs 93%, p=0.029) and higher rates of assisted reproductive treatment (14% vs 4%, p=0.0089). Female surgeons more frequently perceived their gender as a negative career influence (67% vs 5%, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Conclusion Whilst part-time work and family planning are challenging for surgeons of both genders, female surgeons face striking inequities when trying to consolidate family planning with their profession.

Comparison of Postoperative outcomes Among Patients Treated by Male Versus Female Surgeons: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To compare clinical outcomes of patients treated by female surgeons versus those treated by male surgeons. It remains unclear as to whether surgical performance and outcomes differ between female and male surgeons. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare patients' clinical outcomes-including patients' postoperative mortality, readmission, and complication rates-between female versus male surgeons. MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to September 8, 2022. The update search was conducted on July 19, 2023. We used random-effects models to synthesize data and GRADE to evaluate the certainty. A total of 15 retrospective cohort studies provided data on 5,448,121 participants. We found that patients treated by female surgeons experienced a lower post-operative mortality compared with patients treated by male surgeons (8 studies; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.93; 95%CI, 0.88 - 0.97; I2=27%; moderate certainty of the evidence). We found a similar pattern for both elective and non-elective (emergent or urgent) surgeries, although the difference was larger for elective surgeries (test for subgroup difference P=0.003). We found no evidence that female and male surgeons differed for patient readmission (3 studies; aOR, 1.20; 95%CI, 0.83 - 1.74; I2=92%; very low certainty of the evidence) or complication rates (8 studies; aOR, 0.94; 95%CI, 0.88 - 1.01: I2=38%; very low certainty of the evidence). This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that patients treated by female surgeons have a lower mortality compared with those treated by male surgeons.

Female Surgeons in Cardiac Surgery: Does the Surgeon's Gender Affect the Outcome of Routine Coronary Artery Bypass Graft and Isolated Aortic Valve Surgery?

The increasing presence of female doctors in the field of cardiac surgery has raised questions about their surgical quality compared to their male colleagues. Despite their success, female surgeons are still underrepresented in leadership positions, and biases and concerns regarding their performance persist. This study aims to examine whether female surgeons perform worse, equally well, or better than their male counterparts in commonly performed procedures that have a significant number of female patients. A retrospective cohort of patients from 2011 to 2020 who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and aortic valve surgery was studied. To compare the surgical quality of men and women, a 1:1 propensity score matching (two groups of 680 patients operated by men and women, respectively, factors: age, logarithm of EuroSCORE (ES), elective, urgent or emergent surgery, isolated aortic valve, or isolated CABG) was performed. Procedure time, bypass time, x-clamp time, hospital stay, and early mortality were compared. After propensity score matching between surgeons of both sexes, patients operated by males (PoM) did not differ from patients operated by females (PoF) in mean age (PoM: 66.72 ± 9.33, PoF: 67.24 ± 9.19 years, p = 0.346), log. ES (PoM: 5.58 ± 7.35, PoF: 5.53 ± 7.26, p = 0.507), or urgency of operation (PoM: 43.09% elective, 48.97% urgent, 7.94% emergency, PoF: 40.88% elective, 55.29% urgent, 3.83% emergency, p = 0.556). This was also the case for male and female patients separately. Female surgeons had higher procedure time (PoM: 224.35 ± 110.54 min; PoF: 265.41 ± 53.60 min), bypass time (PoM: 107.46 ± 45.09 min, PoF: 122.42 ± 36.18 min), and x-clamp time (PoM: 61.45 ± 24.77 min; PoF: 72.76 ± 24.43 min). Hospitalization time (PoM: 15.96 ± 8.12, PoF: 15.98 ± 6.91 days, p = 0,172) as well as early mortality (PoM: 2.21%, PoF: 3.09%, p = 0.328) did not differ significantly. This was also the case for male and female patients separately. Our study reveals that in routine heart surgery, the gender of the surgeon does not impact the success of the operation or the early outcome of patients. Despite taking more time to perform procedures, female surgeons demonstrated comparable surgical outcomes to their male counterparts. It is possible that women's inclination for thoroughness contributes to the longer duration of procedures, while male surgeons may prioritize efficiency. Nevertheless, this difference in duration did not translate into significant differences in primary outcomes following routine cardiac surgery. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing the equal competence of female surgeons and dispelling biases regarding their surgical performance.

Trends in Gender Diversity Among Total Hip Arthroplasty Surgeons.

A pronounced gender imbalance is evident among orthopaedic surgeons. In the field of arthroplasty, there exists a dearth of comprehensive data regarding gender representation. This study aimed to analyze the gender diversity, or lack thereof, within the field of total hip arthroplasty (THA). In addition, this study used literature review to identify possible reasons for the gender disparity among THA surgeons and identify the best next steps to promote gender equity within orthopaedics. A retrospective analysis was conducted using the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Practitioners data set to quantify orthopaedic surgeons who performed primary THA procedures from 2013 to 2020. To assess trends in the number of hip surgeons by sex and the evolving female-to-male ratio, two-sided correlated Mann-Kendall tests were conducted. Overall, 3,853 to 4,550 surgeons billed for primary THA annually. Of this number, an average of 1.7% was female. The mean number of services billed for by male surgeons was 31.62 ± 24.78 per year and by female surgeons was 26.43 ± 19.49 per year. Trend analysis of female-to-male ratio demonstrated an increasing trend of statistical significance (P = 0.009). The average number of procedures by female surgeons annually remained stable throughout the study, whereas there was a steady increase in that for male surgeons. Results showed a notable and sustained upward trajectory from 2013 to 2020 in the number of female surgeons billing for THA along with the female-to-male ratio. However, female surgeons constitute a mere 2% of surgeons engaging in primary THA billing. Furthermore, the annual average number of THAs conducted by female surgeons exhibited constancy, whereas there was a gradual increase in the median number of annual procedures performed by their male counterparts. Future studies should aim to identify and resolve specific barriers prohibiting female medical students from pursuing and obtaining a career as an orthopaedic THA surgeon. Retrospective analysis using the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Practitioners data set.

The impact of doctors' facial attractiveness on users' choices in online health communities: A stereotype content and social role perspective

This study examines the impact of doctors' facial attractiveness on users' choices in online health communities (OHCs). We conducted a field study using a sample of 14,897 doctors registered on a Chinese OHC. The results indicate a significant negative relationship between the facial attractiveness of doctors and the number of visits to their homepage by users. However, this relationship only holds true for male surgeons and female internal medicine doctors, not for female surgeons or male internal medicine doctors. These findings suggest the possible presence of gender-specialty bias in the influence of facial attractiveness on patients' decision-making. To further investigate how facial attractiveness influences users' inclination to choose a particular doctor, we develop our research model drawing upon the stereotype content and social role perspective. Through a laboratory experiment, we found that OHC users' perceptions of doctors' warmth and competence act as mediating factors in the relationship between facial attractiveness and user choice. Additionally, this relationship is influenced by stereotypical gender-specialty fit.