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Chen J, Nazir A, Gerk A, Rabiee P, Faria I, Blake K, Vaghaiwalla T. Implementing a global mentoring program: A call to action for mentorship in surgery. Am J Surg 2025; 239:115997. [PMID: 39419640 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.115997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 10/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Chen
- University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA; The Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Anisa Nazir
- The Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ayla Gerk
- The Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Pedra Rabiee
- The Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Barts Health Education Academy, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isabella Faria
- The Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kaela Blake
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Tanaz Vaghaiwalla
- The Gender Equity Initiative in Global Surgery, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Division of Endocrine Surgery, DeWitt Daughtry Department of Surgery, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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Sarmiento-Altamirano D, Pauta-Barros P, Docksey M. Perceptions of female surgeons in the workplace; a cultural and social struggle. Injury 2024; 55:111691. [PMID: 38936226 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.111691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Domínguez LC, Torregrosa L, Cuevas L, Peña L, Sánchez S, Pedraza M, Sanabria Á. Workplace bullying and sexual harassment among general surgery residents in Colombia. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2023; 43:252-260. [PMID: 37433160 PMCID: PMC10531255 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.6915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lilian Torregrosa
- Departamento de Cirugía, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D. C., Colombia.
| | - Liliana Cuevas
- Departamento de Cirugía, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D. C., Colombia.
| | - Laura Peña
- Departamento de Cirugía, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D. C., Colombia.
| | - Sebastián Sánchez
- Departamento de Cirugía, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D. C., Colombia.
| | - Mauricio Pedraza
- Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, D. C., Colombia.
| | - Álvaro Sanabria
- Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
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Mejía-Fernández L, Romero-Hernández F, López-Ruiz A, Lopez-Verdugo F, Sanchez-Garcia J, Martinez-Ordaz JL, Moreno-Paquentin E, Lopez-Gavito E. Role of Female Research at the Asociacion Mexicana de Cirugia General Annual Meeting: A Retrospective Analysis From 2013 to 2019. Front Surg 2022; 9:900076. [PMID: 36034390 PMCID: PMC9406406 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.900076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorelí Mejía-Fernández
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, TecSalud, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | | | - Ana López-Ruiz
- University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, United States
| | - Fidel Lopez-Verdugo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jorge Sanchez-Garcia
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Transplant Services, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jose L. Martinez-Ordaz
- Department of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery, UMAE Hospital de Especialidades – Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Elena Lopez-Gavito
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Sharp Mazatlan, Mazatlan, Mexico
- Correspondence: Elena Lopez-Gavito
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Farmer D, Young L. Disparity in Sex of Surgical Journal Author Contributions. J Am Coll Surg 2021; 233:175-176. [PMID: 34304814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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