Gender Bias in Surgical Specialities from an Otolaryngology Perspective: A Systematic Narrative Review
摘要
Gender bias is a pervasive issue within surgical specialties, disproportionately affecting women at various stages of their careers, from medical school to consultancy. Despite increasing awareness of gender disparities in medicine, Otolaryngology remains underexplored in terms of gender bias. This systematic narrative review examines the manifestations, implications, and potential solutions for gender bias in Otolaryngology across education, training, practice, and leadership. A systematic search was conducted using databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Studies addressing gender bias in surgery, with a focus on ENT, were reviewed. Articles were categorized into themes such as medical education, training, patient care, and leadership. Disagreements during article selection were resolved by consensus. The review highlights the multifaceted nature of gender bias in Otolaryngology, including barriers in medical education, limited mentorship, biased evaluations during training, and inequities in leadership roles and remuneration. Women face challenges such as exclusion from professional opportunities, heightened scrutiny, and patient bias. Promising trends include increased female authorship in academic ENT and progressive organizational policies in certain institutions. Gender bias adversely impacts professional development, career satisfaction, and healthcare outcomes. Structural and cultural reforms are essential to address implicit and explicit biases in ENT. Recommendations include formal bias training, mentorship programs, standardized evaluation protocols, and deliberate strategies for equitable hiring and promotions. Addressing gender bias in Otolaryngology requires concerted efforts to create an equitable and inclusive professional environment. This will enhance diversity, improve patient care, and foster a supportive culture for all practitioners. Indian Otolaryngology, in particular, needs targeted research and initiatives to tackle these challenges effectively.