Medical Student Perspectives on Sexual and Gender Minority Acceptance in Surgical Specialties and Sexual and Gender Minority Education

BACKGROUND: The topics of healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) patients and inclusion of LGBTQ+ health providers remain overlooked. Some specialties may be perceived as less inclusive to LGBTQ+ trainees. This study aimed to describe the perspectives of current medical students regarding LGBTQ+ education and the acceptance of LGBTQ+ trainees among different specialties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional voluntary and anonymous online survey was distributed through REDCap to all medical students (n = 495) at a state medical school. Medical students' sexuality and gender identity were queried. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and the responses were classified into two groups: LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+. RESULTS: A total of 212 responses were queried. Of the respondents who agreed that certain specialties are less welcoming to LGBTQ+ trainees (n = 69, 39%), orthopedic surgery, general surgery and neurosurgery were identified most frequently (84%, 76%, and 55%, respectively). After analyzing sexual orientation as an influence on choosing a future specialty for residency, only 1% of non-LGBTQ+ students indicated that their sexual orientation influences their specialty of choice in comparison with 30% of LGBTQ+ students (P < 0.001). Finally, more non-LGBTQ+ students indicated that they believe they are receiving appropriate education on caring for LGBTQ+ patients as compared to LGBTQ+ students (71% and 55%, respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LGBTQ+ students are still hesitant to pursue careers in General Surgery as compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. The perception that surgical specialties are the least welcoming to LGBTQ+ students continues to be a concern for all students. Further strategies of inclusivity and their effectiveness need to be studied.