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.
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By
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Andrea Surnit
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May 22, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Gender Bias Found in Regional Surgery Survey
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | |
| Key Mechanisms | Implicit gender bias contributes to workplace discrimination. |
| Target Population | |
| Care Setting | |
Key Highlights
- 64% of respondents observed discrimination against women surgeons.
- No statistically significant gender-based differences in clinical judgment or surgical skill.
- 47% of respondents perceived women surgeons as more thorough compared to 2% for men.
- 60% of respondents perceived women surgeons as better in task completion compared to 24% for men.
- Survey design limitations included reliance on subjective perceptions.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Assess perceptions of gender discrimination in surgical settings.
Management
- Address implicit bias to improve workplace equality.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Evaluate the impact of gender bias on surgical performance and outcomes.
Risks
- Potential undermining of workforce expansion due to gender discrimination.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Postoperative complications and mortality were lower among patients treated by women surgeons.
Clinical Best Practices
- Implement validated implicit-bias assessment tools.
- Encourage equal participation of women in surgical training and practice.
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