Women in Maxillofacial Surgery and Otolaryngology; Career Obstacles and Success Factors

Little is known on career factors and expectations for female oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) in developing countries. The study aimed to explore career perceptions of females in 2 related surgical specialties: oral and maxillofacial surgery and otolaryngology (ENT) with a focus on career obstacles and success factors. A structured questionnaire was distributed to female surgeons working in Jordan in the 2 surgical specialties. Questions addressed socio-professional characteristics and career-promoting and hindering factors. All surgeons registered in both specialties were invited. A total of 56 surgeons participated in the survey. Age range was 29 to 55 years (mean = 38.55 +/- 5.799). Significantly more OMFS surgeons were single (P = 0.000) younger (P = 0.003), and had fewer years of experience (P = 0.01) than ENT surgeons. Significantly more ENT surgeons perceived the "hard working" attribute and "better communication skills" as career-promoting factors (P = 0.04, P = 0.015, respectively). Further, significantly more ENT surgeons believed that females in the surgical profession help in changing the traditional surgical stereotype linked with the male gender (93.8% ENT in contrast to 75% OMFS, P = 0.047), and expressed a preference for female mentors (48% ENT in contrast to 0% OMFS, P = 0.000). The results of this study indicate that female OMFS surgeons have different socio-professional characteristics and perceptions to their peers in ENT surgery, and this mainly manifested in professional experience, marital status, and important career perceptions. They seem to lack confidence in female participation and promotion of the surgical career, and they show preference for having exclusively male mentors.