Highlights
- •Female orthopaedic surgeons must navigate gender bias throughout their careers.
- •373 female orthopaedic surgeons were anonymously surveyed about workplace conflict.
- •A majority reported experiencing workplace conflict due to gender.
- •Roughly 1 in 5 female orthopaedic surgeons would not choose this career again.
Abstract
Background
As more women begin to enter the traditionally male-dominated field of orthopaedics,
it is critical to examine their experiences in navigating gender-based conflicts in
the workplace.
Methods
An anonymous survey was distributed via a web link to approximately 1,100 members
of Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS) and 1,600 members of Women in Orthopaedics
(WIO) Facebook group, with an estimated response rate of 50% and 50% respectively
and protocols to mitigate duplicate response. Questions included demographics and
presented several workplace scenarios.
Results
Of the 373 respondents, 72% described experiencing some type of workplace conflict
self-attributed to being female. Additionally, 8% reported either being forced out
or leaving their previous job due to workplace conflict, leading to depression, anxiety,
and burnout. 17% of respondents would not choose the same career again if given the
opportunity.
Conclusions
Workplace conflict diminishes a surgeon's career satisfaction and may ultimately contribute
to burnout. Understanding the relationship between gender bias and orthopaedic surgery
is essential in moving towards change, and addressing these issues will create a more
positive working environment for female surgeons.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 30, 2022
Accepted:
September 18,
2022
Received in revised form:
August 21,
2022
Received:
April 23,
2022
Footnotes
☆This was an IRB-exempt survey study of female orthopaedic surgeons and their experiences with workplace bias and conflict.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
