Exploring female surgeon identity constructions: A qualitative study with female surgeons, their colleagues and patients

Offiah, G.; Cable, Stuart; Rees, C.; Schofield, S.

Abstract

Background
The numbers of women represented in surgery at consultant level remain low compared to other specialities. While research has shown challenges and barriers for women in surgery, this current research explores the perceptions of female surgeons, as well as the colleagues and patients of female surgeons, on the issue of gender in surgery. Indeed, the current work aims to provide multiple views on female surgeon identity constructions.

Methods
A qualitative research approach drawing on biographic narrative interviewing was used to provide a comprehensive picture of the multiplicity of issues existing for female surgeons. This approach emphasises the socially constructed nature of reality and helps provide a rich and complex understanding of women’s issues. We explored multiple stakeholders’ perspectives around gender issues in surgery. Our sample included 29 female surgeons, 18 colleagues and 12 patients. Thematic framework analysis was used to identify initial key themes for coding the data.

Results
The overarching themes identified across all stakeholder groups were of surgical culture, career choices and identity. Noting the prominence of identity talk in participants’ narratives, we explored this further drawing on intersectionality theory, exploring female surgeons’ intersecting personal and professional identities, and how those intersections interplayed with their surgical careers.
Conclusions
While others have argued that it is challenging to be both a successful woman and a successful surgeon, novel findings from our study highlight how participants narrate intersecting personal and professional identities for female surgeons, emphasising that a balance between ‘successful woman’ and ‘successful surgeon’ can be achieved.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Association for Medical Education Annual Conference
• Start Date: Aug 24, 2019
• End Date: Aug 29, 2019
• Deposit Date: Feb 25, 2020
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1986436