Prejudice or Parity? Exploring Gender Bias and Perceived Disparities in the Careers of Gastrointestinal and Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgeons in India.

Background: Gender disparities in high-intensity surgical specialties, such as gastrointestinal (GI) and hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB), surgery are a major concern. Various gender-related challenges exist, including explicit and implicit biases, epistemic injustice, work-life balance issues, and stereotyping. Cultural and institutional factors may worsen these disparities in India, affecting training, career advancement, and leadership representation. We aimed to examine the "perceived" gender bias and disparities impacting GI and HPB surgeons in India, offering data-driven insights that may shape policy and institutional reforms.

Methods: A nationwide, cross-sectional, and questionnaire-based survey was conducted among GI and HPB surgeons, identified through the Indian Association of Surgical Gastroenterology (IASG) database. The online questionnaire was distributed via email and messaging forums. The survey assessed demographics, work environment, research opportunities, leadership roles, mentorship, and personal life. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative tests, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 190 responses were received, including 26.8% female surgeons (FS) and 73.2% male surgeons (MS). FS were younger, with a mean age of 36.9 years compared to 43.3 years for MS (p < 0.001) and were predominantly in the early- or mid-career stages. FS reported significantly higher perceptions of gender-based differential treatment in the workplace, particularly from senior faculty and patients. Although both FS and MS reported comparable salaries, FS felt they had fewer career advancement opportunities and were underrepresented in leadership roles and mentorship networks. Additionally, FS expressed greater dissatisfaction with work-life balance, especially regarding family planning and maternity leave, which they believed negatively impacted their careers. Research output and leadership roles exhibited modest gender differences, with FS being less likely to serve on editorial boards or in clinical leadership positions.

Conclusion: Our study provides evidence of gender-based disparities in the careers of GI and HPB surgeons in India, with FS facing greater challenges in career advancement, mentorship access, and work-life balance. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including mentorship programs, policy reforms, and institutional changes, to promote gender equity in surgical specialties. Addressing these disparities is essential to foster an inclusive, diverse, and effective surgical workforce in India.