Gender disparities in Ecuador: a survey study of the under-representation of women in surgery

Implementing a global mentoring program: A call to action for mentorship in surgery

BACKGROUND

The Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery organization launched a mentorship program to address the limited opportunities available in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to evaluate the utility of the virtual program in bridging this critical gap.

METHODS

A retrospective review of program surveys containing quantitative and qualitative questions from 2022 to 2023 was performed.

RESULTS

Of n ​= ​193 applicants, 81.3 ​% (157/193) identified as women, and 69.4 ​% (134/193) reported no prior mentorship. Applicants were from 41 countries (35 LMICs). The most requested specialties were general surgery (27.9 ​%, 54/193), neurosurgery (18.1 ​%, 35/193), and cardiothoracic surgery (11.4 ​%, 22/193). 55.9 ​% (108/193) preferred mentors from other countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada), while 13.9 ​% (27/193) preferred mentors from their country. Ultimately, 48 applicants were matched with 13 mentors.

CONCLUSIONS

Demand for the program surpassed capacity, highlighting a need for mentorship opportunities for women overall, particularly in LMICs.

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

BACKGROUND

Women 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).

METHODS

Qualitative 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.

RESULTS

Three 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.

CONCLUSION

Gender 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.

Workplace bullying and sexual harassment among general surgery residents in Colombia

INTRODUCTION

Workplace bullying and sexual harassment are concerns among general surgery residents in Colombia.

OBJETIVE

To explore the prevalence and impact of workplace bullying and sexual harassment incidents among general surgery residents in Colombia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This nationwide study was conducted in 2020. Residents selfrated their exposure to workplace bullying and to sexual harassment in the forms of gender harassment, unwanted sexual attention, and sexual coercion. We analyzed demographic variables, perpetrator’s characteristics, and differences between victims and non-victims.

RESULTS

The study included 302 residents. It found that 49% of general surgery residents in Colombia suffered from workplace bullying and 14.9% experienced sexual harassment. The main forms of sexual harassment were gender harassment (47%) and unwanted sexual attention (47%). Women reported significantly higher rates of being sexually harassed. Surgeons were the main perpetrators of sexual harassment.

CONCLUSIONS

Workplace bullying and sexual harassment are frequent events in general surgery residency in Colombia. These findings suggest the need for interventions to improve the educational culture of surgical departments and decrease the prevalence of these behaviors.

Role of Female Research at the Asociacion Mexicana de Cirugia General Annual Meeting: A Retrospective Analysis From 2013 to 2019

Background

Academic surgery has been a traditionally male-dominated field. Female contribution remains challenging. In Mexico, there is no published evidence regarding gender disparity in academic surgery. We aimed to analyze the female role in clinical research submitted to the Asociación Mexicana de Cirugía General (AMCG).

Methods

Retrospective study evaluating abstracts submitted to AMCG annual meetings from 2013 to 2019. Categorical variables were compared using χ² test. Univariate logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) followed by a log-binomial logistic regression model to obtain the adjusted relative risk (aRR) for acceptance as an oral presentation.

Results

Overall, 7,439 abstracts were analyzed of which 24.2% were submitted by females. Female-submitted abstracts increased from 22.5% to 25.3% during 2013–2019 (p = 0.15). The proportion of 47 abstracts submitted by females was higher in the resident group (27.7% vs. 18.8%; p < 0.001). The percentage of females’ abstracts selected for oral presentation was less than the percentage of males’ 49 abstracts selected for presentation (9% vs. 11.5%; p = 0.002). Females’ abstracts submitted have a 50 23.5% decreased chance of being selected for oral presentation (OR = 0.765, CI 95%, 0.639–0.917, 51 p = 0.003). However, after adjusting for research type and trainee status, the gender of the oral 52 presenting author showed no association (aRR = 0.95, CI 95%, 0.8–1.1, p = 0.56).

Conclusion

In Mexico, the female role in academic surgery is still limited. These results should 55 encourage professors and program directors to identify and address factors contributing to gender 56 disparities.