This article by Kerslake et al (2024), sheds light on the many challenges women face in orthopedic surgery, a field where female representation is shockingly low, even though more women are graduating from medical schools than ever. So why is orthopedic surgery still such a boys’ club? Well, it turns out there are some deeply rooted cultural and structural barriers that make it tough for women to break through.

Here are some of the hurdles:

1. Male-Dominated Culture: Orthopedic surgery has long been shaped by a very male-centric environment. Women face difficulties being taken seriously or are often assigned tasks that do not lead to career growth, such as note-taking during meetings or handling administrative work.
2. Communication Struggles: Female surgeons often feel they need to walk a tightrope when it comes to how they speak. If they’re too assertive, they’re labelled as pushy, but men who do the same are seen as strong leaders. So, women end up adjusting their communication styles just to fit in.
3. Lack of Mentors: It’s tough to rise in a field when there aren’t enough women ahead of you to show the way. The lack of female mentors in leadership roles means fewer opportunities for women to get the guidance they need to advance.
4. Workplace Harassment: Many women report experiencing gender-based discrimination, ranging from sexist comments to outright harassment in the workplace, which can create a toxic environment.
5. Balancing Work and Family: The lack of proper maternity leave policies and flexible working hours adds extra pressure. Women are often left trying to juggle an intense surgical career while also managing family responsibilities, with little support.

What can be done?

To make orthopedic surgery more inclusive, the article suggests some changes. These include promoting more women into leadership positions, creating formal mentorship programs, and improving policies around maternity leave and flexible working hours. By tackling these issues, the field could become a more supportive and welcoming place for women.

In the end, creating a more diverse and equitable environment isn’t just about fairness—it’s about improving the field as a whole. Studies show that diversity leads to better patient care, stronger teamwork, and overall improved job satisfaction. While things are moving in the right direction, there’s still a lot of work to be done to make orthopedic surgery a field where women can truly thrive.