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Bias in Plastic Surgery Education
Pang JH, Fishman J, Egro F, Zhu X, Losee J, Nguyen V
Affiliations: 1University of Pittsburgh Department of Plastic Surgery
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
2018-02-15
Presenter: John Henry Pang
Affidavit:
The program director certifies that the material proposed for presentation in this abstract has not been published in any scientific journal or presented at a major meeting
Director Name: Vu Nguyen
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Introduction- Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students/residents are subjected a unique set of challenges in their medical training. This study aimed to delineate the demographics of and attitudes toward the LGBT population within the plastic surgery academic community.
Methods- An anonymous survey was distributed to every plastic surgery residency within the United States. Respondents were asked their training status or faculty position, gender identity and sexual orientation. Subsequent questions targeted perceptions of and attitude towards the impact of sexual orientation and gender identity on plastic surgery training and work experiences.
Results- 201 residents (52.5%) and 179 attending surgeons (46.5%) responded. Thirty respondents self-identified as LGB, of which 59% were open about their sexuality to all residents. Only 21% were open to all attendings. 65% did not fear rejection/reprisal following disclosure during their application/interview process, though 95.6% were not open, with 13% advised not to disclose their sexual orientation. 17% experienced homophobic remarks from residents and 26% from attendings. 90% did not report the incident. Some witnessed transphobic/homophobic remarks made by hospital staff including nurses (34.3%), residents (24.1%), and attendings (23.8%). 7.3% of respondents admitted making transphobic/homophobic statements and only 7.9% reported witnessing discriminatory care. A similar minority felt that homosexuality and being transgender was immoral. 32.7% of respondents provided LGBT health/sensitivity teaching to medical students while 18.9% disagreed in doing so.
Conclusions- There is clear evidence of support and tolerance within academic plastic surgery. While more progress is needed, academic plastic surgery is increasingly tolerant of the LGBT community.
