Research Day
EVALUATION OF MEDICAL STUDENT FACTORS THAT MAY INFLUENCE THE DECISION TO PURSUE A CAREER IN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY
Document Type
Abstract
Date
2021
Abstract
Background: As more women embark on medical careers an increasing number are pursuing careers in surgical subspecialties. Despite these improvements, orthopaedic surgery continues to have the lowest female representation amongst surgical subspecialties. The purpose of this project was to determine the motivating and deterring factors for medical students, particularly females, interested in a career in orthopaedics.
Methods: An anonymous electronic survey was sent to PGY-1 and PGY-2 orthopaedic residents at 5 ACGME-accredited institutions and to medical students at 3 LCME-accredited institutions. The survey consisted of questions regarding the participants' medical school demographics, motivations for pursuing careers in various fields and factors that may have deterred them from choosing a career in orthopaedic surgery.
Results: Overall response rate: medical students - 25% (455/1788); orthopaedic residents - 21% (167/780). 40% of students and 46% of residents indicated experiences before medical school most heavily influenced their decision for a specialty and most impact was from an individual. Patient care was the most important factor to pursue orthopaedic surgery (77% students, 73% residents). The competitive match process and a lack of work-life balance were the most deterring factors to pursue orthopaedic surgery. Both groups responded freely to verbal deterrents they received from faculty/friends for considering orthopaedic surgery which demonstrated a male gender bias.
Conclusion: This study highlights the need to mentor students regarding their career choice and providing positive role models. More importantly, minimizing negative comments may encourage more women to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery