US women in thoracic surgery: reflections on the past and opportunities for the future

Abstract

Historical perspective of women in thoracic surgeryThe history of women surgeons spans more than 5,500 years. According to the Iliad, in Ancient Greece, women performed various surgical techniques, attended births, and treated the wounds of warriors (1). In modern times, after formal medical schools were established in the United States (US), women initially were excluded from studying medicine.

Women mentoring women

“…Sponsorship entails being an advocate for an individual, opening doors to further success, and leadership. 6 In our survey, 66.7% of women (18/27) have never had a female sponsor or a woman who has written a letter of recommendation, whereas only 33.33% (9/27) have. Efforts have been made by several organizations toward promotion and sponsorship.…”

“…Dr Barry concealed her sex throughout the duration of her practice and was found to be female after her death in 1865. 6 The American College of Surgeons admitted its first female member in 1913 and 5 or fewer women each year thereafter, until 1975. 4 Even in the advent of modern surgical training, brought by Halstead, this road has proven difficult for women.…”

“…8 In 1961, 12 years after the first ABTS examination, Nina Starr Braunwald, Ann McKiel, and Nermin Tuttunji became the first 3 women to be board-certified by the ABTS. 6 Nina Starr Braunwald was a pioneer who earned many accolades for her extraordinary A next step toward achieving a true seat at the table includes mentorship and visibility. Watching and learning from senior women who have succeeded will only help future generations succeed.…”

“…Of equal importance was the gender equity among invited speakers and panelists who were highlighted as leaders in our field. 6 Although progress has been made, there is a dearth of women in higher leadership positions within the STS.…”

The role of gender in career satisfaction for female surgeons.

“…Cardiac surgery has even fewer female surgeons than neurosurgery. For example, a 2010 survey of American surgeons found that women made up only 3.4% of adult cardiac, 5.2% of congenital heart, and 7.9% of general thoracic surgeons (Preventza & Backhus, 2021). As with neurosurgery, female cardiac surgeons are underrepresented in academic leadership positions and senior-level authorship publications (Preventza & Backhus, 2021).…”