The gender gap in a surgical subspecialty: analysis of career and lifestyle factors

BACKGROUND: Although the percentage of women in surgical subspecialties is increasing, little is known about the experiences of these women compared with their male counterparts. OBJECTIVE: To identify career and lifestyle factors that distinguish female otolaryngologists. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Otolaryngologists were asked to respond to a confidential 119-item questionnaire. The instrument was sent to all 502 female members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery who had finished their residency training and were practicing medicine. For response comparison, the survey was mailed to 2 male otolaryngologists who were matched to each female survey recipient for years since completion of training, geographic region, and practice type. RESULTS: Of the 673 respondents (52.6% response rate), women were more likely to be divorced or separated (P =.001) and have fewer children (P <.001). In contrast to men, women reduced their work hours in conjunction with having more children (P <.001). Controlling for professional hours and hours spent in the operating room per week, type of practice, and years since completion of residency, women earned 15% to 20% less per year than men (P <.001). Men relied more on their spouse or partner for household responsibilities and child care (P <.001), and 34.3% of the women (compared with 7.1% of the men) spent 21 to 40 h/wk on household management (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Although male and female otolaryngologists receive equal training opportunities, women earn less money for performing similar jobs and have increased family responsibilities, which may effect their career advancement.