Description
The presentation opened with Jonathan Howell expressing gratitude to the committee and establishing his position regarding the subject matter, indicating a sense of humility and the understanding that he enters a complex discussion with more questions than answers. Howell shared personal anecdotes about his experiences in training female fellows, linking this to his reflections on his daughter’s potential entry into a surgical career, particularly orthopedics.
He highlighted the gender imbalance within the British Society, noting that fewer than 5% of its members are female, and emphasized the need for a focus on addressing this disparity during his presidency. Howell outlined his concern about the lack of female representation in surgical fields, questioning why so few female medical students pursue or complete surgical training.
Drawing from various studies, he discussed the concept of 'habitus,' pointing out the unconscious biases that affect female surgeons, and how these biases manifest in the work environment, creating hurdles for women trying to fit into the surgical culture that is often male-dominated. The talk delved into the challenges women face, including the pressure to conform to a masculine template in what is traditionally a male field, and the additional burdens placed on them, from microaggressions to the struggle to achieve credibility.
Furthermore, Howell examined the systemic issues that lead to higher dropout rates among women in surgery and the negative impact these challenges have on their professional growth, compared to their male counterparts. He shared statistics showing that women often have to bear the brunt of parental responsibilities and that their surgical training takes a toll on their personal lives, often resulting in fewer opportunities for career advancement.
Concluding his presentation, Howell advocated for systemic change in the surgical field to make it more diverse and inclusive, presenting evidence that diverse teams perform better and contribute positively to overall hospital culture and patient care.
Part of: Surgical Techniques and Training Collection
"Diversity and Inclusion: The Future for Orthopaedics?" is included in the following Surgical Techniques and Training playlist: