Dissuasion in women surgical trainees pursuing cardiothoracic surgery

Background: The reasons for persistent gender disparity in cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) are multifaceted. The objective of this paper is to understand if and why women surgical trainees are dissuaded from pursuing CTS. Methods: A survey was sent to self-identified women participating in Women in Thoracic Surgery speed mentoring. Statistical analysis was performed to determine dissuasion rates. Open-ended responses describing examples of dissuasion were characterized and categorized. Results: Of all participants, 76 % (163/215) reported dissuasion from a CTS career. Third-and fourth-year medical students experienced the highest rate by training (81 %, 48/59) and those interested in Congenital CTS experienced the highest rate based on subspecialty interest (94 %, 17/18). The most cited dissuasion examples included work/life balance, lifestyle with children, and gender. Conclusions: Most women surveyed had been dissuaded from pursuing a career in CTS. Examples of dissuasion provided are heavily associated with traditional gender roles, supporting the presence of continued gender bias in CTS.