Career intentions of female surgeons in German liver transplant centers considering family and lifestyle priorities.

PURPOSE

Women represent up to 60 % of students entering the medical profession in many countries in the world. However, the proportion of women to men is not accordingly balanced among surgical residents and especially in leadership positions in surgery. Therefore, we investigated the career goals as well as family and lifestyle priorities of female surgeons in German liver transplant centers.

METHODS

A standardized questionnaire was developed using the web-based survey tool SurveyMonkey®. Questionnaires were distributed electronically to 180 female surgeons in 24 German liver transplant centers. A total of 81 completed questionnaires were analyzed.

RESULTS

Female surgeons in German liver transplant centers are eager to assume leadership positions and do not wish to follow traditional role models. After finishing training, most female surgeons plan to continue working at a university hospital. About 80 % of the respondents intend to continue working full time and wish to combine career and family.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first survey on career intentions of female surgeons in Germany. In the face of gender changes in the medical profession, we were able to demonstrate that female surgeons are willing to fill leadership positions. Individual and institutional creative modifications are necessary if the advancement of women in surgery is to be promoted.