WOMEN SURGEONS - RESULTS OF THE CANADIAN POPULATION STUDY

Objective A national survey of women surgeons in Canada was undertaken to evaluate their ability to combine career with personal and family life. Summary Background Data Despite increasing numbers of women ente ring the medical profession, women continue to select nonsurgical care ers. Although there are many reports regarding women in medical specia lties there is little information available regarding women who choose surgical careers. Such data will be useful in increasing the enrollme nt of women in surgical training programs. Methods A 93-item questionn aire was mailed in July 1990 to the 459 eligible female surgeons. The survey was conducted using a modified Dillman 5-step computerized meth od. The study was closed in May 1991. Results Of the 459 surgeons who were located, 419 (91.3%) responded. Most surgeons (65.5%) were marrie d. Only 6.5% were separated or divorced. The majority married another professional (91.4%). One quarter married another surgeon. Of all wome n who married at least once, 70.9% had at least one child. Most surgeo ns delayed child bearing until after they had completed their surgical training. The majority of respondents were in active surgical practic e (82.3% full-time, 6.0% part-time). The most common surgical subspeci alty was obstetrics and gynecology (40.9%), followed by ophthalmology (21.2%), and general surgery (12.1%). Surgeons were rarely dissatisfie d (4-9%) with career, marriage. health, friendships, financial status, and hobbies. Overall, 88.3% were happy with their decision to pursue a career in surgery. Conclusions Women surgeons practicing in Canada a re able to combine productive careers with rewarding family lives and are satisfied with their decision to do so despite the compromises inv olved.