Journal article
A Cross-Sectional Study of Gender-Specific Influences of Orthopedic Subspecialty Selection
The Iowa orthopaedic journal, Vol.44(1), pp.1-10
01/01/2024
PMCID: PMC11195877
PMID: 38919343
Appears in Diamond Open Access
Abstract
Background: Per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 6.5% of practicing orthopedic surgeons are female and a majority subspecialize in pediatrics, hand, and foot and ankle surgery. The study purpose is to evaluate influences of orthopedic subspecialty selection, specifically factors such as perceived strength, lifestyle, and mentorship influence on subspecialty decisions and to identify if gender plays a role in these perceptions.
Methods: An IRB approved cross-sectional study was conducted via email distribution of a REDCapTM survey to U.S. licensed orthopedic surgeons. Data regarding demographics, professional degree, training and current practice location, and perceptions regarding orthopedic surgery was obtained using Likert rating scales. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with two-tailed student's t-tests (α=0.05).
Results: The survey yielded 282 responses (182 females and 100 males). Overall, the distribution of residents (28%), fellows (6%), and attendings (66%) correlates well with the prevalence of each respective physician category in the field of orthopedic surgery. The study demonstrated no difference in subspecialty choice based on mentorship, work-life-balance, career advancement, subspecialty culture, salary potential, family planning, or schedule. However, a statistically significant difference exists regarding stereotypes, perceived strength required, and perception of discrimination from pursuing a specific orthopedic subspecialty. 27% of females and 10% of males reported discouragement from any subspecialty (p<0.05). Adult reconstructive and oncology were most frequently discouraged. Women reported not choosing a subspecialty because of perceived physical demands more often than men (p<0.001). Women reported an increased use of adaptive strategies in the operating room (p<0.001). Women were also more likely to report feeling discouraged from pursuing a subspecialty due to their gender (p<0.001). Both men and women reported mentorship as the most influential factor in subspecialty selection.
Conclusion: Women and men reported different factors were important in their decision of subspecialty. Women were more likely to be discouraged from a subspecialty and experience discrimination based on their perceived strength compared to male peers. Residents, fellows, and attending surgeons valued mentorship as the most influential in their subspeciality choice. This study suggests intrinsic and extrinsic influences that may differentially affect male and female orthopedic surgeons when they choose a subspecialty. Level of Evidence: III.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- A Cross-Sectional Study of Gender-Specific Influences of Orthopedic Subspecialty Selection
- Creators
- Katelyn T. Koschmeder - University of IowaAmelia C. Hurley-Novatny - Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA Carver College of Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USAAlex A. Marti - Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USAKathryn M. Sharp - Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USAShannon E. Linderman - University of IowaAlex R. Coffman - Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USACatherine R. Olinger - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The Iowa orthopaedic journal, Vol.44(1), pp.1-10
- Publisher
- Dept. of Orthopaedics, The University of Iowa; United States
- PMID
- 38919343
- PMCID
- PMC11195877
- ISSN
- 1541-5457
- eISSN
- 1555-1377
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/01/2024
- Academic Unit
- Orthopedics and Rehabilitation; Neurosurgery
- Record Identifier
- 9984649043402771
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