How gender disparities affect otolaryngology specialty selection: an international cross-sectional survey. Issue 2 (23rd March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nuss, Sarah; Denton, Alexa; Aragão, João; Sprow, Holly N.; Daudu, Davina; Kondamuri, Neil; Hampton, Thomas; O'Byrne, Thomas J.; Wiedermann, Joshua P.
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery global health. Volume 6:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: e116
• Page End: e116
• Publication Date: 2023-03-23
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- LMIC -- HIC -- Global surgery -- Gender -- Gender disparities -- Specialty selection -- Surgery
• DOI: 10.1097/GH9.0000000000000116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2576-3342

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Most studies evaluating gender disparities in surgical specialties as a career choice are limited to high-income countries and have largely evaluated surgical subspecialties in aggregate. Objective: This study aimed to describe gender-based differences in otolaryngology specialty selection amongst medical students, trainees, and attendings/consultants across both low- and middle-income (LMICs) and high-income countries. Materials and methods: An online cross-sectional survey with 2 arms was administered. The first arm asked medical students about gender-related factors that impact interest in otolaryngology. The second arm asked otolaryngology residents and attendings about gender-related factors that impacted otolaryngology specialty selection and career satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient demographics and survey responses. Responses were compared by gender using χ 2 and Fisher Exact tests. Subgroup analyses between gender and country income status were also conducted. Results: There were 67 medical student respondents (45% male, 54% female, 1.5% nonbinary) and 38 attending/consultant or resident respondents (47% male, 53% female, 0% nonbinary). Thirty-six (36%) of medical students were from LMICs, while 45% of attending/residents were from LMICs. Overall, the results demonstrated gender discrimination and gender-based barriers against female medical students considering otolaryngology and otolaryngologists worldwide that may not be recognized by their male colleagues. Conclusion: The results of these surveys highlight the need for continued education and anti-discrimination policy and advocacy in otolaryngology globally. This information can be leveraged to inform regionally specific research on gender disparities in the otolaryngology workforce and provide a foundation for initiatives to address gender disparities in otolaryngology programs.