The Gender Gap in Pediatric Surgery: Barriers, Disparities, and the Way Forward

jpedsurg.org

Social media movements such as #ILookLikeASurgeon and the #NYerORCoverChallenge have highlighted the lack of visibility of women in the formerly male-dominated field of surgery. This issue, known as the gender career gap, is especially evident in pediatric surgery, where women remain underrepresented in leadership roles. The "glass ceiling" and "leaky pipeline" metaphors summarize these challenges. Addressing the "leaky pipeline" is crucial, not just for individual satisfaction but to retain qualified staff in light of a looming shortage of surgeons.

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Article · Jul 2025 · 1 min read

In brief

This article examines gender disparities in pediatric surgery, where women remain underrepresented in leadership despite increased representation in the field. It explores barriers including the 'glass ceiling' and 'leaky pipeline' phenomena that prevent career advancement. Addressing these systemic issues is critical for workforce retention amid projected surgeon shortages.

Women remain underrepresented in pediatric surgery leadership despite increased visibility through social media movements like #ILookLikeASurgeon.
The 'leaky pipeline' describes women leaving surgical careers at higher rates than men, contributing to workforce shortages.
Addressing gender disparities in surgery is essential to retain qualified staff amid a projected shortage of pediatric surgeons.
The 'glass ceiling' prevents women from advancing to leadership positions even when they remain in the field.
Retention of women in pediatric surgery requires systemic changes beyond individual career satisfaction.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.

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