In the U.S., female orthopedic surgery residency attrition is double the rate for males, according to an Oct. 8 report published by the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research.
Gender bias and stereotypes, workplace culture and discrimination, work-life balance and family considerations, fewer mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, and disparities in surgical case assignments and skill development are a few of the systemic barriers that lead to attrition among female orthopedic trainees.
Even as female enrollment in medical school increases, orthopedic surgery is one of the least-gender diverse medical specialties, with women making up less than 10% of practicing orthopedic surgeons.
Ways to improve the gender balance in orthopedic surgery include establishing formal mentorship programs, ensuring equitable training opportunities, creating inclusive work environments, implementing family-friendly policies and increasing early exposure and outreach to generate interest in orthopedic surgery, the report said.
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