Assessment of Factors and Deterrents Influencing Medical Students in Pursuing a Career in Surgical Disciplines: Gender-Based Perceptions From a Teaching Hospital in India

IntroductionGender disparity within the health care profession, specifically in surgical fields, continues to be a subject of discussion. Understanding these gender-specific determinants is key to fostering inclusivity in surgery. This study investigates gender-related perspectives on pursuing a career in surgical disciplines and assessess the perceived challenges among medical students in India.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted at a teaching hospital. Third through fifth-year medical students were invited to fill a semi-structured questionnaire investigating career preferences and the influencing factors. The data was collected through a survey and analyzed. Likert-scale type responses and open-ended questions were analyzed separately. Appropriate statistical tests were used to compare the gender-based responses.Results231 complete responses were analyzed. Of these, 61.5% were females. Interest in pursuing surgery was found to be similar in both genders (<i>P</i> = .61). Both male and female students cited concerns about work-life balance as the major factor (41.6%) influencing their interest in pursuing surgery, followed by personal interest in anatomy and surgical techniques (39%), and exposure to surgical procedures (36.4%). Female students perceived limited opportunities in surgical training (M = 7.8%, F = 21.1%, <i>P</i> = .007) and gender bias in surgical disciplines (M = 34.8%, F = 50%, <i>P</i> = .02) as a significant challenge as compared to their male counterparts. Approximately 1/3rd females reported a lack of female surgical role models.ConclusionThis comprehensive analysis illuminates the evolving gender dynamics in a developing nation, reflecting a burgeoning interest in surgical specialties among female students. Creating targeted training opportunities and gender-conducive environments for female students can catalyze this positive shift.