Gender differences in general surgical careers: results of a post-residency survey.
BACKGROUND
This study's purpose was to gain perspective regarding general surgery career choices while examining gender differences.


METHODS
Graduates of a general surgery residency (n = 189) received surveys addressing fellowship training, practice type, case composition, work hours, academic involvement, income, residency, and career satisfaction.


RESULTS
Several gender differences were identified. Most men (64%) listed general surgery as their primary work type, whereas women most commonly reported breast surgery (38%, P < .001). More women worked <40 hours per week (25% versus 9%, P = .049). There was no gender difference in income for fellowship-trained surgeons, but a disparity in income >200,000 dollars favored non-fellowship-trained men (74% versus 36%, P = .0031). Both genders reduced work hours. Women reduced them exclusively for personal/family demands. Both genders reported satisfaction with their surgical careers (93%).


CONCLUSIONS
Some gender differences in surgery were identified. However, both genders maintain a high level of satisfaction with their career choice.
Yutzie
Janelle D
JD
Department of Surgery, Room 3082, The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 929 N. Saint Francis Street, Wichita, KS 67214, USA.
Shellito
John L
JL
Helmer
Stephen D
SD
Chang
Frederic C
FC
D002321:Career Choice; D004500:Education, Graduate / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors