Challenges and Safety of Women Surgeons during Residency and Practice (Editorial)

Abstract

In recent decades, with an increasing number of women pursuing medical career, there is a striking contrast of women taking-up surgical specialties. Though, surgery is traditionally a macho field, the status of women surgeons has significantly improved in recent years. But, the basic challenges remain yet to be addressed.(1) Is surgery really appealing to women or is it appalling? Several issues drive them away from choosing a surgical carrier. These multifaceted factors include years of laborious, physically demanding, emotionally exhausting training which is compounded by male dominated work-environment, insufficient family time, poor quality of personal life, negligible prospects in career advancements and less financial perks. While most of the women doctors chose relatively cooler, family-friendly, less demanding or even ‘feminine specialties’, only a few (including me) take-up surgery with great passion.