SRS14 - Exploring gender differences in medical students’ knowledge and perceptions of trauma & orthopaedics: impact of a university-based conference

Abstract Introduction Despite diversity being associated with increased patient-reported outcomes, trauma and orthopaedics (T&O) remains one of the least gender-diverse surgical specialties. Short-format, student-organised interventions have been shown to improve perceptions of T&O but their impact across gender groups is not well studied. We aimed to assess changes in perceptions of T&O by gender, following the implementation of a university-based teaching conference. Methods We organised a day-long conference connecting medical students with orthopaedic trainees and consultants. Identical questionnaires were emailed to delegates one week before and immediately following the event, assessing knowledge, perceived barriers, and motivation to pursue a career in T&O. Numeric rating (0–10) and Likert-scale question responses were analysed with Mann Whitney U tests using STATA BE 18. Qualitative responses were thematically analysed. Results 29 participants (13 female, 16 male) completed both questionnaires. Compared with men, women demonstrated significantly greater improvements in career knowledge (P = 0.013), understanding of application requirements (P = 0.028), and awareness of the role of T&O (P = 0.049) following the conference. Trends were observed for training pathway knowledge and exposure, though not statistically significant. No gender differences were seen across other domains, including motivation or confidence following practical workshops, suggesting broadly similar benefits for both groups tested. Conclusions This study found minimal gender-based disparities in perceptions of T&O following a university-based conference. Whilst both genders benefited, women showed greater gains, a positive finding in the context of persistent underrepresentation of women in T&O that indicates that more targeted events may address barriers.