Our Summary

This study looks at why there are fewer women in the field of cardiothoracic (heart and lung) surgery despite nearly half of medical school graduates being female. The researchers sent an anonymous survey to female members of the American Board of Thoracic Surgeons. They asked about their demographics, professional achievements, practice details, and personal lives.

Out of 309 contacted, 176 (57%) completed the survey. They found that the sub-specialties of cardiothoracic surgery differed in training length, practice location, and academic rank, but personal lives were mostly similar. For example, 65% were in committed relationships, but 40% felt their career negatively affected their ability to find a partner. Also, 60% had children, but 31% of those with kids reported using assisted reproductive technology, surrogacy, or adoption.

The number of women in leadership roles did not differ among sub-specialties, but was low overall, ranging from 0 to less than 30%. The study concludes that women are underrepresented in cardiothoracic surgery, especially as full professors and in leadership positions. The researchers suggest providing more scholarship and mentorship opportunities, increasing female leadership, and implementing family-friendly policies to attract more women into the field.

FAQs

  1. What were the main findings of the study on women in the field of cardiothoracic surgery?
  2. What methods did the researchers use to collect data for this study on female representation in cardiothoracic surgery?
  3. What were the recommendations proposed by the study to increase female representation in cardiothoracic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about thoracic surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your healthcare team, including fasting before surgery and stopping certain medications. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or questions you have with your healthcare team and make sure to follow all post-operative care instructions to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended thoracic surgery include those with conditions such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, thoracic outlet syndrome, empyema, and severe lung infections. Additionally, patients with certain congenital heart defects, aortic aneurysms, and other cardiovascular conditions may also be candidates for thoracic surgery. Ultimately, the recommendation for thoracic surgery will depend on the specific condition and the individual patient’s overall health and medical history.

Timeline

  • Before thoracic surgery:
  1. Patient is referred to a thoracic surgeon by their primary care physician or specialist after experiencing symptoms or receiving a diagnosis that requires surgical intervention.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing, such as blood work, imaging studies, and possibly a pre-operative appointment with the surgeon to discuss the procedure and address any concerns.
  3. Patient may need to make arrangements for post-operative care, such as arranging for a caregiver or making accommodations for their recovery period.
  4. Patient undergoes the thoracic surgery procedure, which can vary depending on the specific condition being treated.
  5. After the surgery, the patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room for further observation and care.
  • After thoracic surgery:
  1. Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue in the immediate post-operative period.
  2. Patient will be closely monitored by nursing staff and medical professionals to ensure proper healing and recovery.
  3. Patient will be encouraged to gradually increase their activity level, follow a specific diet, and attend follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress.
  4. Patient may need to participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program to improve lung function and overall recovery.
  5. Patient will gradually return to their normal activities and lifestyle, with ongoing monitoring and follow-up care to ensure the best possible outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of thoracic surgery procedure do you recommend for me, and why?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?

  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?

  4. How many times have you performed this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?

  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?

  6. Will I need any additional tests or evaluations before the surgery?

  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the potential side effects?

  8. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and for how long?

  9. What should I expect in terms of pain management during the recovery process?

  10. Are there any long-term effects or lifestyle changes I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Giuliano K, Ceppa DP, Antonoff M, Donington JS, Kane L, Lawton JS, Sen DG. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2022 Nov;114(5):1933-1942. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2022.02.076. Epub 2022 Mar 23. PMID: 35339440