Describing the women of orthopaedic surgery: demographics, biometrics, and their path to practice

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this survey study was to examine the demographic and lifestyle factors of women currently in orthopaedic surgery. Methods: An electronic survey was conducted of practising female orthopaedic surgeons based in the USA through both the Ruth Jackson Society and the online Facebook group “Women of Orthopaedics”. Results: The majority of surveyed female orthopaedic surgeons reported being married (76.4%; 285/373) and having children (67.6%; 252/373). In all, 66.5% (247/373) were collegiate athletes; 82.0% (306/373) reported having no female orthopaedic surgeon mentors in undergraduate and medical school. Their mean height is 65.8 inches and average weight is 147.3 lbs. Conclusion: The majority of female orthopaedic surgeons did not have female mentorship during their training. Additionally, biometrically, their build is similar to that of the average American woman. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(5):419–425.

Keywords

• women
• diversity
• surgical education
• orthopaedic surgery
• orthopaedic surgeons
• orthopaedists
• paediatric orthopaedics
• physicians
• arthroplasty
• hand surgery
• sports medicine
• orthopaedic physicians
• physical therapy