Women in surgery: trends in nine surgical specialties.

BACKGROUND: Gender disparity in surgery remains an issue worldwide. We analysed the trends in gender distribution in surgical subspecialties across Australia and New Zealand over the last 8 years. METHODS: Workforce reports from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons were reviewed from 2014 to 2021. Data relating to 4802 applicants, 1554 trainees and 6839 active surgeons across nine surgical subspecialties was analysed. Statistical analysis was performed using a difference of proportions hypothesis test. Predictions regarding time to parity were performed using a linear regression model. RESULTS: All nine surgical subspecialties' surgeon numbers saw a steady increase in the representation of women between 2014 and 2021. The most significant rise seen in general surgery from 14% to 21% (P ≤ 0.001). Proportions of women trainees were variable, the only significant rise was seen in orthopaedics from 9% to 19% (P ≤ 0.001). Proportions of women applicants and successful applicants have also been variable. General surgery saw the only consistent increase in women applicants over the last 6 years, from 35% in 2016 to 43% in 2021. Linear regression predictions estimate that paediatric surgery will be the first to reach gender parity in 23 years, and orthopaedics the last, in 186 years. CONCLUSION: A steady increase in women has been observed across all surgical subspecialities over the last 8 years. However, estimates based on current trends suggest that gender parity may be out of reach for the next eight generations in subspecialties such as cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgery.

Gender diversity in urology scientific meetings: an analysis of the last nine years.

BACKGROUND: The importance of gender diversity is well recognized. Despite promising change in addressing gender disparity, there remains a significant gap in women's representation in urology. Worldwide, a lack of diversity has been observed at scientific meetings. This study analyses the trend in women's representation at the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting (USANZ ASM) over the last nine years. METHOD: We retrospectively collected data from eight conference programs between 2014 and 2022, evaluating the trend in the proportion of women represented in various sections. A difference of proportions test was performed to determine whether a significant change was seen from year to year. RESULTS: A significant increase in women's representation was observed, the most significant increase was evident in the last three years, chairpersons increased from 5.9% to 44.1% (P = 0.003), international speakers from 11.7% to 39.1% (P ≤ 0.001), expert speakers from 19.1% to 42.0% (P = 0.002), and total speakers from 19.5% to 34.7% (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that a significant increase in the representation of women at the USANZ ASM has been achieved over the last three years. Unfortunately, this increase in representation has not been mirrored in the number of women trainees and training applicants. Additionally, this increase in representation well exceeds the proportion of women who are USANZ members, and is unevenly distributed across topics. A positive change has been observed, the challenge remains in dealing with unconscious bias and balancing the fine line between inclusivity and tokenism.