Gender Bias Found in Regional Surgery Survey

Women surgeons were more often perceived as targets of workplace discrimination despite similar perceived clinical judgment and surgical skill.

By
Andrea Surnit
May 22, 2026
4 min

MDSpire News

Overview

A survey of a surgical association in the Anglophone Caribbean revealed that women surgeons were perceived as more frequently targeted by workplace gender discrimination compared to their male counterparts. Despite this perception, no significant differences in clinical judgment or surgical skill were reported between genders.

Background

Gender bias in the surgical field is a significant issue that can impact workforce participation and patient care. Understanding the perceptions of discrimination against women surgeons is crucial.

Data Highlights

Finding	Percentage
Discrimination against women surgeons	64%
Discrimination against men surgeons	4%
Women perceived as thorough	47%
Men perceived as thorough	2%
Women perceived as completing tasks	60%
Men perceived as completing tasks	24%

Key Findings

64% of respondents observed discrimination against women surgeons.
No statistically significant differences in clinical judgment or surgical skill were reported between genders.
47% of respondents perceived women surgeons as more thorough compared to 2% for men.
60% perceived women surgeons as better at task completion compared to 24% for men.
Residents in training programs were more likely to perceive gender-based differences in thoroughness favoring women surgeons.
The study's design did not directly measure implicit bias or establish causality.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that perceptions of gender discrimination in surgery may influence the work environment for women surgeons. Addressing these perceptions is essential for fostering a more inclusive surgical community.

Conclusion

The study highlights the ongoing issue of gender bias in surgery, emphasizing the need for further research and interventions to support women in the field.