Abstract

CUMPA LA³PEZ, Nancy E  and  GALLINO FERNA¡NDEZ, Griselda. Women in surgery: an exploration of career barriers. Rev. argent. cir. [online]. 2020, vol.112, n.1, pp.30-42. ISSN 2250-639X.

Background: Women surgeons in Argentina face barriers in the workplace and in their personal life when trying to achieve their professional goals. The aim of this investigation was to explore the career barriers women surgeons face in the three main cities of Argentina. Material and methods: We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study. Anonymous surveys were administrated to women surgeons during a six-month period. Results: Among survey respondents, 59% were single and did not live with a partner. Those with children are the primary carers. Spouses or partners appear in third place, with a very low percentage of responsibility as carers. Most workplaces where female surgeons work do not have childcare facilities. Sixty-five percent of the survey respondents had not presented scientific papers after having children. Only 26 percent of patients had rejected their services in favor of a male surgeon and 42% of head surgeons had refused to be assisted by female surgeons. Almost 85% of women surgeons have received comments about their sexuality during their work. Conclusions: The organizational structures of surgery departments work as a structured regulatory framework of practices and speeches that have constructed the inequalities between women and men in the field of medical action at the symbolic, subjective and institutional level. The recent feminization of the surgical field and the entrance of women in the workplace do not necessarily imply gender equality.

Keywords : Women; Surgery; Barriers; Career.