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GENDER EQUITY AMONG GYNECOLOGICAL SURGEONS IS STILL A MYTH: A NATIONAL SURVEY IN ITALY
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  • Elisabetta Manzoni,
  • Chiara Dell’Utri,
  • Daunia Verdi,
  • Sara Parini,
  • Daniela Lucidi,
  • Gaya Spolverato
Elisabetta Manzoni
Universita degli Studi di Milano Scuole di Specializzazione

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Chiara Dell’Utri
Vivantes-Humboldt-Klinikum
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Daunia Verdi
Ospedale di Mirano
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Sara Parini
Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carita
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Daniela Lucidi
Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena
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Gaya Spolverato
Universita degli Studi di Padova Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche Oncologiche e Gastroenterologiche
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Abstract

Objective: this study seeks to examine the status of female gynecological surgeons in Italy concerning both discriminatory practices and the availability of opportunities of improvement within the operating theatre. Design, setting and population: a National Survey addressed to a group of 3242 female surgeons all over Italy carried out and approved by the members of “Women in Surgery Italia”. Methods: the survey was conducted from November 1 to December 31, 2020, gathering data from 219 female gynecologists out of 3242 surveyed across Italy. The survey focused on various professional aspects, particularly surgical practice. Main outcome measures: we collected data concerning subjective satisfactions by respondents. Satisfaction was evaluated with a 5-points LIKERT scale. Data were described calculating mean, median or frequency. Results: this sub-analysis includes these 207 respondents. Among respondents, 47% reported having children, while 31% opted out of parenthood due to professional reasons. Nearly half of them were trainees (42%). Despite a considerable workload (with a mean workingweek of 45 hours), 96% of the participants reported spending less than half of their worktime in the operating theater. They performed a median of 2 surgical operations per week, compared to 5 for male counterparts. Despite challenges, 65% expressed a commitment to their career path. Conclusions: efforts to address gender bias, promote work-life balance, and enhance female leadership representation are essential. These findings emphasize the need for systemic changes to create a supportive environment for female gynecologists. Further research with broader sampling is warranted to fully understand and address these challenges.