ePoster
Talk Description
Institution: Flinders Medical Centre - SA, Australia
Purpose:
Despite gender parity in medical school graduates, women remain underrepresented in surgery. Studies suggest that mentorship is a critical factor influencing women's decisions to pursue surgical careers. This study explores the impact of female surgical mentorship on the career aspirations of female junior doctors and how exposure to mentors shapes perceptions of surgery as a viable career choice.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among female doctors in South Australia. The survey focused on participants’ experiences with surgical mentors, the influence of mentorship on career decisions, and perceptions of the role of mentors in promoting surgical careers.
Results:
Respondents included doctors from various surgical specialties, ranging from interns to consultants. Participants agreed that female surgical mentors significantly increased the likelihood of female junior doctors pursuing surgery. Key benefits of women mentors included gaining confidence through relatable role models, providing networking opportunities and career guidance. While male mentors were recognised as helpful for career progression, they had less impact on changing perceptions about women’s belief in her ability to pursue surgery. Notably, many participants reported that they only considered surgery a realistic career after encountering a female surgeon.
Conclusion:
Female surgical mentors play a pivotal role in inspiring female doctors to consider surgery as a career. They help break stereotypes, improve confidence, and provide guidance. Structured mentorship programs could help close the gender gap in surgery and encourage more women to pursue this field.
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Dr Hollie Moran - , A/Prof Nicola Dean -