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What's surgery like?
Research
WinS works to understand and address the issues facing women in surgery and the factors that influence their career choices and progression. We have undertaken a number of research projects to examine these questions, and have collected information from a number of other sources to further our understanding of these factors. A small proportion of these are summarised below. More details and information about additional studies are available from the WinS office.
Career Progression Survey
This 2005 study surveyed successful FRCS candidates from between 1990 and 2000 and asks why they left or remained in surgery. The results showed that most people remain in the profession, but that more women than men leave, mostly for family reasons. It also found that flexible working patterns were beneficial in aiding women to stay in surgery.
The results of the survey were published in the Bulletin of The Royal College of Surgeons of England (Ann R Coll Surg Engl (Suppl) 2005; 87: 94-196)
Reasons behind Women’s Career Choices
The Psychology department at the University of Exeter in collaboration with WinS, is undertaking research to examine reasons behind the relatively low proportion of women in surgery. To date, the team at Exeter have found that women’s choices to opt out of surgery are complex. It is not that women inherently lack career ambition or are unwilling to make the sacrifices required to succeed in surgery; rather, women will direct their ambition towards careers in which they perceive they are likely to succeed. Thus, visible, successful role models are vital to encourage more women into surgery.
This work with the University of Exeter continues, and we look forward to publishing more results shortly.
Women and medicine, the future – the Royal College of Physicians
This report was published in June 2009 and provided a comprehensive study of Women’s careers across all surgical specialities. The report highlights a number of factors affecting women’s career choice, such as the impact of role models and working hours / patterns and a general preference for more predictable work patterns and greater patient contact.
This report is available from the Royal College of Physicians
Competition ratios for difference specialties and the effect of gender and immigration status
This research showed that women applying for SpR posts were more likely to be appointed than their male counter parts. This is because they frequently do not apply unless they are very sure of their ability, whereas male applicants tend to be more confident. You can view a copy of her article here.
(SA McNally J Roy Soc Med 2008; 101:489-492).
Why do women reject surgical careers?
This research, published in the annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2000, inspired much of WinS’ work with school students. It showed that many women dismiss careers in surgery before they reach medical school, but that visible possible role models can have an impact on these perceptions.
(Ann R Coll Surg Eng (Suppl) 2000; 82: 290-293)
