Burnout in the female surgical trainee; is it time to consider a more global approach to tackle this issue?

Barriers and Motivators for Women in Surgical Training: A Qualitative Study From Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Women are significantly underrepresented in surgical specialties, particularly in Southeast Asia. The factors influencing this gender disparity remain poorly understood. This study aims to explore the motivations, challenges, and barriers faced by female medical doctors in pursuing surgical careers in Malaysia.

METHODS

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted between May 2016 and November 2017, using semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with male and female senior surgeons, medical officers, and surgical trainees. A coding tree was constructed and refined after initial rounds of data analysis. Thematic content analysis was performed using the NVivo 11 Pro (Windows) qualitative data analysis software.

RESULTS

Ten IDIs and five FGDs (N = 34 participants) revealed three key themes: (A) influences on trainees' career choices, (B) challenges encountered during surgical training, and (C) trainee empowerment. Participants highlighted the demanding nature of surgical training, the lack of flexibility in work schedules, and the male-dominated work environment as significant barriers for women. Despite these challenges, supportive family structures and strong mentorship were found to be critical for the retention of women in surgery.

CONCLUSION

Institutional support, mentorship opportunities, and culture change are essential for improving the representation and retention of female surgeons in Malaysia. Tailored policies that acknowledge the unique challenges faced by women in surgery could foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Unveiling pathways; the experiences that impact a female surgeon's journey to consultancy, a qualitative interview study

BACKGROUND

Despite progress in gender equality, female surgeons face unique career challenges. This dissertation explores the factors influencing female surgeons' careers, with the aim of identifying female surgeons' positive experiences, but also the obstacles they encounter, and the strategies they use to overcome challenges.

METHODS

A qualitative research methodology was employed to understand the experiences of female surgeons working at a single healthcare facility in Western Australia. An interpretivist approach guided the study, focusing on the subjective experiences and perceptions of the participants. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with female consultant surgeons. Braun and Clark's thematic analysis was used to identify and interpret key themes within the interview data.

RESULTS

Some surgeons struggled with a lack of female mentorship. Participants experienced various forms of sexism, ranging from subtle biases to overt discrimination. Supportive family structures and effective time management are crucial for balancing professional and personal demands. Resilience and determination were essential for success. While some felt pressured to adopt traditionally masculine traits, others found value in maintaining traditionally feminine qualities, emphasizing the importance of authenticity.

CONCLUSION

Barriers persist for female surgeons, including subtle discrimination, challenges related to motherhood, and pressure to conform to male stereotypes. Although overt harassment is less common, subtle forms can still affect one's mental health and career progression. In order to foster a more inclusive environment for women, continued efforts are needed to address these challenges and enhance support for female surgeons.