<p>Well, the title of the thread's pretty much self-explanatory...I don't know the exact numbers, but I know that there are very few female surgeons in comparison to the number of guys</p>
<p>well, it could be because the residency programs are very long and many women want to settle down if they have kids. in general, there are more male MDs than female.</p>
<p>Perception that being a surgeon is incompatiable with raising a family. Surgery is not considered a "lifestyle" practice option. Even so, many females go OB/GYN, which the OB is not very lifestyle orientated...even M3's have to spend the night a lot with delivery rotation.</p>
<p>I am a guy, and nothing personal, but surgery is a high stress career, extremely long hours, and takes a lot of physical stamina. Before you can say I am against female surgeons(which I am not) consider this: depending on the type of surgery, lets say, general surgery, you will have spent 13 years before you make a large salary to pay off student loans. you will be 18+13=31 yrs. old when you finish assuming you don't apply for a felloeship and you're in general surgery. Most women want to have a family and a husband to support them. Additionally, try standing on yout feet for 2-6hrs, leaned over a table. I know, it is difficult. I shadowed a surgeon and we spent 4.5hrs in the OR. Be prepared: if you have even a slightly weak stomach, surgery is NOT for you. If you think surgery is where you should be, then I hope to see you in an OR someday. If not, then you would do yourself and your patients a disservice if you choose to follow a path into surgery. Also, what specialty in surgery are you thinking about? I am going to do trauma/critical care surgery.</p>
<p>Wow...even though he tried to preface that, it was by far one of the most sexist things I've ever seen on this board...</p>
<p>Doesnt seem to sexist, just the way it is, ask any male surgeon, they will use the same words if not harsher. And boy have I seen male surgeons say harsher things about female surgeons. Something along the lines of no women should be surgeons.</p>
<p>Yes, if that had been in another thread not specifically talking about females in surgery it wouldn't have been sexist...but given the topic of this thread it certainly comes across that way. Since the question is why are there so few female surgeons, and then he gives those reasons as an answer, it certainly seems to be saying women can't hack it.</p>
<p>danielh15 you obviously are a long way from being a trauma/cc attending. Or you are at a neanderthal instituation where the snapping of bras is still acceptable prescrub behaviour. Women are equally able to handle the ‘stressful’ surgical residency. Further, I have had more junior level male residents who clearly weren’t able to ‘hack it’ in surgery than female residents. And before you shoot off your trap about me not knowing my 'abc’s let me state that I am a surgeon and I not only sport two X chromosomes but I do it in girlie flair. Idiots like you want surgery to stay in the ice ages. Unfortunately for you, not only do I have the right to vote, I have the right to weild a knife too. Get off your high horse and recognize that not only may the surgeon next to you sport a nice set of tits but she’s probably better at your job than you are. </p>
<p>And for the record. Surgery has been one of the most white male dominated fields of medicine. There is significant underrepresentation of not only women but minorities too. I’m certain that danielh15 and the KKK are quite ok with both of these facts.</p>
<p>I thought bigredmen said sexiest</p>
<p>I am a female and thinking about going into surgery, and btw it does not matter whether you’re a guy or a gal, you just need the brains and a heart to become a surgeon, the rest are all myths or envy filled discouraging statements towards all the females.</p>
<p>^ Daaaannnng riiiiight ;)</p>
<p>The surgeon who removed my gall bladder for me wore a pearl necklace in the OR. She wears it only for surgery and it is kept sterilized. I’m pretty sure she tucks it under her clothing when the patient is anesthetized. I loved it! She had a great sense of humor and put me at ease, which was nearly as valuable as her operating skills.</p>
<p>But, not to be sexist, I think that many women do choose specialties that allow them more mommy time. My daughter chose to go the PA route over med school for that reason. She wanted to do what she considered in the best interest of any future offspring. But this is a person who disected fish eyeballs as a child and who absolutely loved the anatomy lab this past summer - was fascinated to hold human organs and explore circulatory and nervous systems.</p>
<p>Female’s just are not cut out for being surgeons. They lack the same physical stamina that men have. It would be equivalent to a female trying to play in the NBA or the NFL. They are just not as physically capable. It sounds bad but its the truth of the matter.It just wont happen. Would you feel comfortable going into surgery knowing a female was going to operate on you?</p>
<p>^ Sheesh! I sure hope you are a kid! With too much time on your hands. Why did you dig THIS up?</p>
<p>I loved surgery! ; so “cut and dried” ( tee hee!). And stamina was never an issue. It’s not like 12 hours of labor, or anything…well, not usually. </p>
<p>I have about ten friends that are physicians, and two are female surgeons. (plastics and opthamology). OP should check the numbers. I’m not sure if most med students are male anymore either.</p>
<p>VeinGirl, I liked your post up to the immodest reference to “t…ts.” I like to think of physicians as a classier breed of person. Not humble, we all know that, but not pornographic.</p>
<p>Ms.VeinGirl, you rock! I am a total supporter and, through God’s will, am looking forward to becoming a Cardiac Surgeon! Thanks for the post, but I am also wanting to clarify that danielh15 was only stating facts, though he was a little too biased and subjective; women can take it!</p>
<p>Lots and lots of female surgeons, but still a significant minority. It’s not a lifestyle field. You are all in for surgery, almost no part timers, tough hours, etc, but I know plenty of great female surgeons who are also great moms – they just aren’t around a lot and, to be honest, most of them have house husbands or a tremendous amount of help at home from nannies, au pairs, etc. People make it work.</p>