RATES OF BURNOUT IN FEMALE ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS CORRELATE WITH BARRIERS TO GENDER EQUITY

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between career burnout and the barriers to gender equity identified by Canadian female orthopaedic surgeons. A secondary purpose was to assess relationships between the female surgeons' demographic characteristics and career burnout and job satisfaction. An electronic survey was distributed to 330 Canadian female orthopaedic surgeons. Demographic variables including age, stage and years of practice, practice setting, and marital status were collated. The survey included the Gender Bias Scale (GBS) questionnaire and two questions each about career burnout and job satisfaction. Pearson r correlation coefficient evaluated the relationships between the higher- and lower-order factors of the GBS, burnout, and job satisfaction. Spearman rank correlation coefficient assessed relationships between burnout, job satisfaction, and demographic variables. Survey responses were received from 218/330 (66.1%). Agreement or strong agreement for career burnout was reported by 110/218 (50.5%) of the surgeons (median=4). Burnout was positively correlated with the GBS higher-order factors of Male Privilege (r=0.215, p<.01), Devaluation (r=0.166, p<.05), and Disproportionate Constraints (r=0.152, p<.05). Job satisfaction was reported by 168/220 (77%) of the surgeons (median 4), and 66% were also satisfied or very satisfied with their role in the workplace (median 4). Burnout was significantly negatively correlated to surgeon age and job satisfaction. Over 50% of female orthopaedic surgeons reported symptoms of career burnout. Statistically significant relationships were evident between burnout and barriers to gender equity. Identification of the relationships between gender-equity barriers and burnout presents an opportunity to modify organizational systems to dismantle barriers and reduce this occupational syndrome.