Current challenges for women in orthopaedics

Abstract

Orthopaedics has been left behind in the worldwide drive towards diversity and inclusion. In the UK, only 7% of orthopaedic consultants are female. There is growing evidence that diversity increases innovation as well as patient outcomes. This paper has reviewed the literature to identify some of the common issues affecting female surgeons in orthopaedics, and ways in which we can address them: there is a wealth of evidence documenting the differences in the journey of men and women towards a consultant role. We also look at lessons learned from research in the business sector and the military. The ‘Hidden Curriculum’ is out of date and needs to enter the 21st century: microaggressions in the workplace must be challenged; we need to consider more flexible training options and support trainees who wish to become pregnant; mentors, both male and female, are imperative to provide support for trainees. The world has changed, and we need to consider how we can improve diversity to stay relevant and effective. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2-10:893–899.

Gender diversity in UK surgical specialties: a national observational study

“…Orthopaedics had the lowest female representation of all surgical specialties, and a recently published review on the current challenges for women in orthopaedics named many of the barriers listed above as causative. 23 The review highlights the need for cultural and structural change to improve workforce diversity, specifically suggesting the need for mentors and addressing implicit bias.…”

Getting the culture right

“…The fact that some senior female orthopaedic surgeons who have succeeded will say, "I did not have any problems" or "I did not care what people thought" does not absolve us of responsibility, as these are the minority who manage to make it to consultant level. 6 The Hidden Curriculum describes the unofficial story of what it means to be an orthopaedic surgeon. 7 These myths are often perpetrated by other specialties with an outdated view of our speciality.…”

Protecting female healthworkers from ionising radiation at work

“…Data acquisition is complicated by the interval between exposure and development of disease, and the relatively small number of women working in image guided specialties. At consultant level, women make up 7%, 12%, and 16% of the UK trauma and orthopaedic, interventional radiology, and cardiology workforces, respectively 12131415. As the number of female trainees entering these specialties increases, it is essential that the risks are further investigated, available evidence is considered, and equipment provision improved to minimise this risk 12131415…”