Perceived obstacles to career success for women in academic surgery

Hypothesis: We conducted this study to determine whether concerns expressed by male and female surgeons at 1 academic center are generally reflective of broader concerns for academic surgery and academic medicine. We reviewed published studies concerning women in academic surgery within the context of reporting the results of a survey of both male and female surgeons at 1 academic center. Data Sources: We developed a survey that included demographic information, work experience, and social issues. The survey was distributed to the entir e faculty. For key questions, we compared answers between male and female f aculty. Additional data came from the published literature. Study Selection: We reviewed an available studies identified by a MEDLINE s earch with key words women and academic and medicine or physician. Included studies contained either data collection or editorial comment concerning w omen in academic medicine. Data Extraction: Data and opinions from all included studies paralleling su rvey questions were extracted from each article. Data Synthesist Male and female faculty members reported different experien ces and perceptions, specifically relating to relationships between family and professional life and perceptions of subtle sex-related biases. Both me n and women reported insufficient mentoring and difficulties in balancing p ersonal and professional responsibilities. Conclusions: Attitudes, behaviors, and traditions surrounding how we struct ure work and evaluate participation in academic surgery are more difficult to change than just addressing obvious inequities in support for female sur geons. However, attempting the deeper changes is worthwhile, because addres sing obstacles faced by female faculty, many of which also affect men, will allow progress toward environments that attract and retain the best physic ians, regardless of sex.