Gender differences in factors influencing specialty choice in obstetrics and gynecology: A national survey of graduating senior residents

Aim

To analyze gender differences in factors influencing the choice of obstetrics and gynecology as a specialty and to inform gender-specific recruitment strategies for a more diverse and sustainable obstetrics and gynecology workforce.

Methods

This nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted annually in Japan from 2019 to 2024, targeting post-senior residency obstetricians and gynecologists. The survey collected data on demographics, timing, reasons for choosing obstetrics and gynecology, and changes in concerns from pre- to post-senior residency.

Results

The survey received 2049 responses out of 2458 distributed surveys, resulting in a response rate of 83.9% (60.6% female, 39.4% male). Moreover, 52.4% of respondents initially considered obstetrics and gynecology during medical school, with females more likely to consider it before medical school than males (24.8% vs. 17.3%). Clinical clerkship experience was the most common reason (57.7%), particularly among females compared to males (62.3% vs. 50.5%). However, males were more influenced by family members or relatives (6.9% vs. 13.1%) and lectures (8.6% vs. 12.6%) than females. Pre-residency concerns—physical burden, mental burden, night on-call demands, marriage and family planning, career path planning, litigation risks, and workforce shortages—were higher in females than in males, although these concerns decreased significantly post-residency, excluding those regarding workforce shortages and income. Male-specific concern about the “need for male physicians” decreased significantly from 32.3% to 11.9%.

Conclusions

This nationwide survey provides valuable insights into the role of gender in specialty decision-making, with important implications for developing gender-specific recruitment strategies.