1156 Women in Surgery: Perceptions, Actions and Experiences

Abstract Aim Women represent roughly 58% of medical school cohorts however only 28% eventually pursue higher training in surgery in the United Kingdom. This study aimed to explore the perceptions, experiences, and actions of women towards surgical specialties. Method An electronic survey was distributed to surgeons, trainees, and medical students who identified as female across the United Kingdom for a one-time submission per responder. The link was kept active for 72 hours. 237 complete responses were recorded and statistically analysed. Results A total of 112 participants (47.2%) felt that pay inequity based on gender was the biggest deterrent to a career in surgery. Orthopaedic/Trauma Surgery was reported as the most sexist surgical specialty with 36.2% of the responders. The most common action preferred to deal with sexism in the workplace was to demand an apology (40.9%). Overall, family and career conflicts, gender bias, and lack of motivating factors (female role models, mentors) were perceived barriers for women to pursue surgical careers. Conclusions These findings highlight the challenges perceived by women to pursue surgical careers. Women who feel biased against are less inclined to choose surgical specialties. Changes must be made to be more inclusive. This study may help guide transformative adaptations within surgical departments.