The role of gender perception in surgical specialty preferences among medical students: a cross-sectional study

Surgical specialties have historically been male-dominated. Despite the increasing number of female medical students, this shift is not proportionally reflected in surgical career choices. Gender perception, societal expectations, and professional barriers may influence these preferences. To evaluate the role of gender perception in surgical specialty choice among medical students and to examine its relationship with perceptions of professional success, leadership, and patient trust. This cross-sectional survey study included medical students from years 1 to 6 at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Faculty of Medicine. A 20-item questionnaire assessed participants’ perceptions of gender roles in specialty choice. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v29.0. Categorical variables were compared using the Pearson chi-square test. A total of 275 students participated (184 females, 91 males). While 48.4% of males and 35.9% of females considered choosing a surgical specialty, the difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.139). A substantial proportion of participants believed that gender influences specialty preference, particularly in fields such as obstetrics & gynecology and urology. Female students reported higher perceived barriers related to leadership, discrimination, and work conditions. Gender-related perceptions were common and differed by respondent gender across several domains, while interest in surgery did not differ significantly by gender. Addressing gender bias and promoting inclusive educational environments may help achieve more balanced representation in surgical fields.