Gender Disparity in Croatian Surgery: Only 139 Women Surgeons Despite Majority in Medicine

Despite women constituting 64% of the medical workforce in Croatia, only a small fraction have ventured into the field of surgery. Out of the total number of surgeons, only 139 are women, highlighting a significant gender disparity.

The shortage is particularly acute in certain specialties. For instance, in the field of maxillofacial surgery, only two women have achieved specialist status. This striking contrast raises questions about the barriers women face in pursuing surgical careers.

Why this matters: The underrepresentation of women in surgical specialties has significant implications for the healthcare industry as a whole, affecting the quality of care and patient outcomes. If left unaddressed, this disparity could lead to a shortage of skilled surgeons, exacerbating existing healthcare workforce challenges.

Croatia's demographic data, gathered through censuses conducted every decade, provides a backdrop to this issue. The latest census in 2021 recorded a permanent population of 3.87 million, with a population density of 68.7 inhabitants per square kilometer. The country's overall life expectancy at birth stands at 78.2 years, with a significant sex disparity.

The Croatian Bureau of Statistics, which analyzes these demographic characteristics, places the country in the fourth or fifth stage of the demographic transition, marked by a negative natural growth rate. This demographic context highlights the importance of addressing workforce imbalances in critical sectors such as healthcare.

The underrepresentation of women in surgical specialties is not just a statistical anomaly but points to deeper systemic issues. Factors such as gender biases, work-life balance challenges, and the demanding nature of surgical training may contribute to this disparity.

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Encouraging mentorship programs, promoting flexible working conditions, and actively combating gender biases in medical education and practice could help bridge the gap.

Ultimately, while women make up the majority of doctors in Croatia, their presence in surgical specialties remains disproportionately low. This disparity highlights the need for targeted efforts to ensure equal opportunities and support for women in all fields of medicine.

Key Takeaways

• Only 139 of Croatia's surgeons are women, despite women making up 64% of the medical workforce.
• Maxillofacial surgery has only 2 female specialists, highlighting a significant gender disparity.
• Underrepresentation of women in surgery affects healthcare quality and patient outcomes.
• Gender biases, work-life balance, and demanding training contribute to the disparity.
• Mentorship, flexible working, and combating biases can help bridge the gap.