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The experience of equity: evaluating the differences in job satisfaction between female and male general surgery residents

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Global Surgical Education - Journal of the Association for Surgical Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Women in surgery still face many challenges, including inadequate representation, gender bias, and career disparities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a gender imbalance in job satisfaction among general surgery residents and to identify the major contributing factors.

Methods

We used the Hoffman Vocational Values Scale (HVVS) to evaluate overall job satisfaction and 12 factors contributing to job satisfaction between male and female trainees within an urban university-based academic institution.

Results

For general surgery residents, job satisfaction was low regarding feeling respected, appreciated, involved, and unhindered. Female residents scored significantly lower on overall job satisfaction, specifically when it came to finding the work personally fulfilling, feeling respected and appreciated, having a role model, having moments of joy at work, and feeling as if they make a difference in the world. Both groups reported finding their vocation in surgery, and that work was essential to personal fulfillment.

Conclusion

These findings may provide institutional and training programs with a basis for considering how to increase trainee job satisfaction, particularly among female residents who report specific challenges related to the training environment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W Baltimore St S, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA

    Rebecca F. Brown, Natalia Kubicki & Stephen M. Kavic

  2. University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA

    Ace St John, Nicole Kus, Hossam Abdou, Rebecca F. Brown, Natalia Kubicki & Stephen M. Kavic

  3. University of Maryland School of Medicine, 29 South Greene Street, GS 631, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA

    Stephen M. Kavic

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  1. Ace St John
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Correspondence to Stephen M. Kavic.

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St John, A., Kus, N., Abdou, H. et al. The experience of equity: evaluating the differences in job satisfaction between female and male general surgery residents. Global Surg Educ 2, 16 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44186-022-00092-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44186-022-00092-3

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