Has a critical mass of women resulted in gender equity in gynecologic surgery?

Surgery as women’s work: gender in presentations at gynecologic conferences

“…Despite the inclusion of women within the specialty, gender-based inequities persist. 2 Reports have described an underrepresentation of women as speakers at surgical conferences. 3,4 Gender bias within medicine toward surgery as a "male" pursuit has been described.…”

Equality, equity, and justice

“…The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has highlighted the disparities and dysfunction in medicine and the ongoing stereotypes that disproportionally affect women. 6 Despite the dramatic shift in gender dynamics in obstetrics and gynecology, as pointed out by Heisler et al 7 in this edition of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AJOG), our field is faring no better than other medical specialties.…”

“…Heisler et al 7 in their thoughtful and thorough review article set out to answer the question "Has a critical mass of women resulted in gender equity in gynecologic surgery?" Their hypothesis is that in comparison with other surgical specialties, where women continue to be a minority, in obstetrics and gynecology, we should see equity in salaries and leadership positions and acceptance and advancement of female surgeons by patients, peers, and colleagues and that the specialty should be more family friendly than maledominated surgical fields.…”

Be the change you wish to see: cultivating gender equity

“…Solutions should include implementing a transparent reporting and subsequent remediation protocol, 3 introduced during regular, departmentwide implicit bias training. 1 In addition, departments should designate an external, objective ally to whom trainees can confidentially report their experiences. 3 Patients' gender biases 1,4 should also be addressed.…”

“…1 In addition, departments should designate an external, objective ally to whom trainees can confidentially report their experiences. 3 Patients' gender biases 1,4 should also be addressed. A lack of clear reporting regulations and patient policies may disproportionately affect the trainee's experience, which is already complicated by the trainee's fears of poor evaluations and differences in trainee hospital jurisdiction.…”