ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Currently, the proportion of women in academic education and residency is predominant, but specialty-specific distribution of leading positions is partly reciprocal (orthopedics/surgery). Are there any differences that indicate a gender-dependent redistribution in leadership positions already in the selection of postgraduate training? METHODS: Online survey with orthopedics/trauma surgery (OUC) and neurosurgery (NCH) residents. Comparison with gynecology (GYN). Statistical analysis, mean in percent, statistical differences using t or chi2-test (significance level αâ¯= 0,05). RESULTS: Returned questionnaireâ¯= 277, complete participationâ¯= 250. Female residents: OUC:52%, NCH:57%, GYN:85%. A total of 49% were told in medical school that a subject was inappropriate for gender reasons (f57-76%, m10-33%). The most frequent reason for a subject: allâ¯= "operating activity". The second most frequent reason: OUC-fâ¯= "good working atmosphere", OUC-mâ¯= "establishment", NCH-fâ¯= "career" and "good working atmosphere", NCH-mâ¯= "good working atmosphere", GYN-fâ¯= "establishment", GYN-mâ¯= "career". The most frequent reason against: OUC/GYNâ¯= "hardly any possibility to become established", NCHâ¯= "negative leadership style by superiors". For female residents in OUC/NCH, work/family balance had the smallest influence on the choice of specialty. Their subjective evaluation of compatibility was significantly the worst, and overall OUC/NCH was significantly worse than GYN. Although female residents in NCH were more likely to justify the specialty choice based on career goals, male residents in OUC/NCH were more likely to aim for a higher hierarchical position. DISCUSSION: The results of this study emphasize that disciplines receive a gender-specific conditioning already at the undergraduate level, which has a clear impact on the choice of specialty. The image in this regard needs to be reconsidered, as even surgical subjects will predictably have to rely on more female specialists.