Perception of Gender Bias in Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery - A Comparative Study

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the differences in the professional and personal life and the perception of gender-bias, among Italian female surgeons working in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS), as compared to those involved in other surgical fields (overall group [OG]). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was administered to female medical doctors working in all surgical fields in Italian hospitals. RESULTS: Of the 1963 responders included, 153 (7.8%) were part of the ONHS group and 1810 (92.3%) of the OG. In both cohorts, female represented approximately one-third of the surgical staff. At least one female in the staff did not regularly attend the operating room (OR), especially in the OHNSG group. OHNS responders had to abandon the surgical activities in favour of outpatient services more than OG. A higher proportion of OHNS surgeons encountered gender-related difficulties in the OR. DISCUSSION: Several gender-related issues emerged among OHNS responders, the most relevant being involvement in surgical activities and number/complexity of surgical cases.