Women in surgery: A longer term follow-up

Jane V Carter; Hiram C Polk Jr; Norman J Galbraith; Kelly M McMasters; William G Cheadle; Molly Poole; Susan Galandiuk

doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2017.05.002

Women in surgery: A longer term follow-up

Am J Surg. 2018 Aug;216(2):189-193. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2017.05.002. Epub 2017 Jun 6.

Authors

Jane V Carter¹, Hiram C Polk Jr², Norman J Galbraith³, Kelly M McMasters⁴, William G Cheadle⁵, Molly Poole⁶, Susan Galandiuk⁷

Affiliations

¹ Price Institute of Surgical Research, University of Louisville, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States. Electronic address: jane.carter@louisville.edu.
² Price Institute of Surgical Research, University of Louisville, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States; The Hiram C. Polk Jr., MD, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, 550 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States. Electronic address: hcpolk01@louisville.edu.
³ Price Institute of Surgical Research, University of Louisville, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States. Electronic address: norman.galbraith@louisville.edu.
⁴ The Hiram C. Polk Jr., MD, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, 550 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States. Electronic address: kmmcma01@louisville.edu.
⁵ The Hiram C. Polk Jr., MD, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, 550 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States. Electronic address: wgchea01@louisville.edu.
⁶ The Hiram C. Polk Jr., MD, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, 550 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States. Electronic address: mbpool01@louisville.edu.
⁷ Price Institute of Surgical Research, University of Louisville, 511 South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States; The Hiram C. Polk Jr., MD, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, 550 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States. Electronic address: s0gala01@louisville.edu.

PMID: 28666579
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2017.05.002

Abstract

Background: There are an increasing number of women in surgery. Previously, many questions focused upon their ability to complete surgical training and contribute fully to the surgical workforce. More meaningful information lies in identifying the long-term follow-up of where, and in what specialty, women residents eventually practice.

Methods: All residents entering general surgery training at the University of Louisville between 1996 and 2009 were studied. Comparison between men and women was performed for program completion, length of residency training, and eventual specialty practice.

Results: One hundred and eight residents entered general surgery residency. Twenty-three (21%) did not complete training. There was no difference in attrition rates between men or women (22% vs. 19%, p = 0.77). Women completing residency were just as likely to practice general surgery (either private or academic practice) as their male counterparts (67% vs. 67% p = 0.96).

Conclusions: Women are a valuable resource in surgery and are able to complete a vigorous residency. Long-term follow-up is crucial and permits us to evaluate this important group of trainees practicing surgery today.

Keywords: Attrition; General surgery; Long-term follow-up; Resident training; Women.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Career Choice*
Education, Medical / trends*
Female
Follow-Up Studies
General Surgery / education*
Humans
Internship and Residency / trends*
Male
Physicians, Women*
Retrospective Studies