Gender disparities in cardiothoracic surgical conference scholarly interactions: A prime opportunity for change in culture

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterize the failures of professional scholarly discourse at a national cardiothoracic surgical meeting, with particular attention directed toward gender-related inequities in treatment.

Methods

During the 2024 Society of Thoracic Surgery Annual Meeting, we used a standardized tool to conduct structured, real-time observations of professional behavior during meeting sessions. Fifteen observers gathered data from 22 sessions, including Plenary, Education/Quality/Wellness, General Thoracic, and Adult Cardiac Surgery. Survey items were designed to evaluate presenters', discussants', and moderators’, conduct, specifically pertaining to interruptions, use of appropriate titles, and adherence to allotted presentation times.

Results

Unprofessional behavior was observed in 13 of 22 (59%) studied sessions. During these sessions, 46 perpetrators were identified, among whom 38 (83%) were men and 8 (17%) were women. Women were significantly more likely to be addressed by an inappropriate title compared with men, 44% and 25%, respectively (P < .001). Of the 88 observed presenters, 65 (74%) were men and 23 (26%) were women. There were 4 (4%) students, 12 (14%) surgical residents, and 72 (82%) attending surgeon presenters. Among women presenters, 5 (13%) were interrupted compared with 3 men (7.7%). Speaking longer than time allotted occurred for 46 (49%) of observed presenters, with no significant difference observed between men and women presenters.

Conclusions

Unprofessional behavior occurred with regularity during this societal conference. Men more frequently engaged in these actions, with women being disproportionately affected. By shedding light on such issues, we can appropriately address biases and provide education regarding acceptable conduct.