Women in Otolaryngology Face Widespread Gender Disparities Across Career Domains

This landmark scoping review systematically analyzed the experiences of women in otolaryngology (ENT surgery), synthesizing data from 97 studies across multiple countries to reveal widespread gender disparities that persist throughout medical training and practice.

The research team conducted a comprehensive search of five major databases, examining studies that described the experiences of female ENT surgeons and trainees. Their analysis revealed troubling patterns of inequality across four critical domains that affect women's careers and well-being in this surgical specialty.

The most striking finding was the persistent underrepresentation of women in ENT surgery. Despite women comprising 50.5-59% of medical students, they represent only 14.5-37% of practicing ENT surgeons globally. This disparity extends beyond numbers to encompass leadership roles, research productivity, and academic advancement opportunities, where women consistently lag behind their male counterparts.

Perhaps most concerning were the findings related to workplace culture. Women ENT surgeons and trainees reported significantly higher rates of discrimination and harassment compared to men, creating hostile work environments that may contribute to the specialty's retention problems. These experiences were documented across multiple countries and practice settings.

The review also highlighted unique challenges related to pregnancy and parenthood. Women described substantial difficulties with family planning, pregnancy accommodations, and breastfeeding support. Many reported that pregnancy and child-rearing were viewed as barriers to career advancement, forcing difficult choices between professional growth and family life.

These findings have profound implications for the future of ENT surgery and patient care. Previous research suggests that patients treated by female surgeons may have better outcomes, making the underrepresentation of women a potential patient safety issue. The documented disparities also represent a significant waste of human talent and expertise in a critical medical specialty.