Background Orthopedics is not a popular field of specialization among female medical students. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine factors related to women's choice of orthopedics as their field of specialty, compared to those who chose other fields. Methods In this cross-sectional survey, 149 female medical residents from Israel-33 specializing in orthopedics and 116 in other fields-completed a questionnaire. A comparison was held between the two groups. Results Orthopedic residents were more likely to have received clinical training in this field during their medical studies and were more likely to have expressed a desire to specialize in orthopedics before and at the completion of their studies. In addition, orthopedic residents ascribed greater importance to job security when choosing a field of specialty and, in contrast, ascribed no importance at all to lifestyle. No difference was found between the two groups in their level of dissatisfaction as a result of their residency. However, orthopedic residents were more inclined to perceive gender discrimination in the field of orthopedics but, despite this, had a greater intention to recommend a residency in orthopedics. A negative association was found between the level of dissatisfaction as a result of the residency and intention to recommend a residency in orthopedics. Conclusions Differences between the two groups point to potential factors that might have been related to women's choice of orthopedics as their field of specialty. The findings may help form strategies for attracting women to specialize in orthopedics.

Introduction: Due to the aging of the population and increased longevity, there is a rising demand for orthopedic surgeons specializing in arthroplasty. In order to address this demand, it is necessary to analyze the available supply of surgeons by exploring the career plans of orthopedic residents. Aim: To explore factors related to the career plans of Israeli orthopedic surgery residents and their views on a career in arthroplasty. Patients and methods: In this cross-sectional survey, 150 orthopedic surgery residents completed a questionnaire exploring their level of interest in choosing a career in various subspecialties and the factors (intellectual, educational, lifestyle, and economic) that guided their choice. Results: The arthroplasty subspecialty was found to be less popular than the orthopedic trauma subspecialty (65.8%), slightly less popular than the sports (55.1%), spine (53.4%), and hand (53.1%) subspecialties, but more popular than the rest of the subspecialties. Intellectual factors being the most important. Residents interested in the arthroplasty subspecialty were guided by similar factors in their choice of subspecialty as those not interested in this subspecialty. No association was found between residents' sociodemographic factors and their level of interest in the arthroplasty subspecialty. However, residents differed in the extent to which different factors guided them in their choice, based on gender and nationality. Conclusion: The arthroplasty subspecialty seems to be popular as a career choice among Israeli orthopedic surgery residents, however it does not top the list. Suitable marketing and recruitment strategies should be applied to attract more residents to this subspecialty. Level of evidence: IV, cross-sectional survey. Highlights