A recent Montreal-based study reveals that the field of surgical practice in Canada continues to be subject to sexist biases, despite the proportion of women surgeons having more than doubled in the past 30 years. The study suggests these biases undermine the careers of female surgeons, as women face challenges related to the design of surgical instruments, referral of cases less likely to lead to surgery, and the need to adopt the typical confidence of surgeons without appearing aggressive.

The research, published in the American Journal of Surgery, highlights that surgical instruments are often designed for the larger hands of men. Additionally, women are referred cases that require more time in patient communication, impacting their career paths. Female surgeons also feel the need to project the usual confidence of male surgeons without being perceived as aggressive. Addressing these issues requires redefining the success metrics for a surgeon's career.

Other female surgeons corroborate these observations. Dr. Stéphanie Leclerc, who has been practicing at CHU de Québec for three years, often finds herself asked about the identity of the surgeon who will perform the operation, even after explaining the details to the patient. She also notes that her male colleagues are not addressed with terms like "my handsome" by nurses or orderlies. She mentions that some department chiefs consider hiring a female surgeon less "attractive" due to the possibility of maternity leave, which prompted her to advise a resident to file a complaint, but she did not want to make enemies.

Regional Perspective

A new Canadian study highlights the persistent impact of sexism in Canadian surgical practice. Female surgeons face challenges related to instrument design, case referrals, and expected stereotypes in professional conduct. While the number of women in this field is increasing, these structural and cultural barriers continue to impede their progress.

Analysis

This study underscores the urgent need to address deeply ingrained sexist biases within the field of surgery. Structural changes, such as developing surgical instruments suitable for various hand sizes, ensuring equitable case allocation, and challenging stereotypes about professional behavior, are essential to fostering a more equitable workplace. The findings, indicating that female surgeons have a 17% lower rate of major complications in their patients, underscore the value of gender diversity in this specialty. Medical institutions and healthcare professionals must actively cultivate a culture that supports female surgeons and enables them to reach their full potential, ultimately benefiting both professionals and patients.