Title : Exploring barriers of entry for women pursuing surgery: Impact of a conference on the confidence, understanding, and preparedness of attendees
Abstract:
In the UK, women are underrepresented in surgery. Women make up only 16% of consultant surgeons and 34% of surgical registrars in the UK, whilst 59% of medical students are female. This discrepancy underscores the need to investigate why female representation in surgery remains disproportionately low despite their significant presence in medical schools. While there were previous efforts to address this issue, the gender disparity persists. Therefore, this project aims to explore the impact of conferences on perceived barriers and attitudes of female medical students aspiring to become surgeons.
Summary of Work:
A survey was administered to 130 attendees, yielding 95 eligible responses, at a national student-led conference held at UCL encompassing speaker events, workshops, and speed mentoring. Pre- and post- questionnaires were provided. This included an open-ended question on personal barriers, and a 5-Point Likert Scale to assess opinions on barriers of entry, confidence in surgical skills, preparedness for a surgical career, and understanding of challenges faced by women in surgery.
Summary of Results:
The study included participants aged 18-30 from 23 universities and NHS trusts, representing 7 ethnic groups and 12 medical professions, with medical students comprising 87% of the cohort. 91.6% of participants identified as female. Following the conference, 14 barriers of entry were analysed and there was a notable average increase in measured outcomes: confidence in surgical skills by 175%; preparedness by 192%; and understanding of the challenges faced by 177%. Overall, an average increase of 181% across reported metrics. Discussion and Conclusion The conference served as a grassroots approach at addressing barriers and an initial stride towards gender inclusivity and equity within the surgical field. The study data demonstrates the effectiveness of the student-led UCL Women in Surgery conference in empowering medical students pursuing surgical careers. Conferences enhance accessibility by providing safe spaces for networking, mentorship, and gaining insights into the field. Additionally, they remove financial barriers due to relatively low registration costs, ensuring equitable access to experiences and knowledge.
Take-home Message:
To nurture the potential of female medical students, we must prioritise developing focussed resources, events, and educational opportunities. Representation matters, and supporting aspiring surgeons by addressing barriers of entry is crucial.
