EP1030 - Representation and Role Modeling: The Influence of Female Surgeons on Female Surgical Trainees

Purpose/Background: Female representation and mentorship in surgery are linked to recruitment, retention, and well-being of trainees. We evaluated how exposure to female surgeons relates to trainees' role-modeling, comfort seeking guidance, and perceived mentorship needs.

Methods/Interventions: We conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous online survey of female surgical residents and attendings (June 9-October 9, 2025). Items captured demographics, program characteristics, exposure to female surgeons, and attitudes toward mentorship/role models. Descriptive statistics summarized responses; a chi-square test explored association between program director (PD) gender and naming a female role model.

Results/Outcomes: Ninety-seven respondents completed the survey. Most reported having a surgical role model (86/97, 88.7%). Among those, the role model's gender was female in 41/86 (47.7%) and male in 42/86 (48.8%). Respondents' PDs were male in 49/86 (57%) and female in 37/86 (43%). Naming a female role model was numerically more frequent in programs with female PDs (19/37, 51.4%) than male PDs (19/49, 38.8%), but this was not statistically significant (p=0.346). Reported female representation averaged 5.0 attending surgeons (median 3.5) and 8.78 female residents (median 8) per program. Pre-residency exposure was common: 52.6% discussed surgery with a female surgeon and 74.2% worked with one; 54.6% felt the presence of a female surgeon influenced their decision to pursue surgery. Programs were perceived to encourage mentorship in 62.9% of cases, yet 85.6% believed more female mentors are needed. Trainees were more comfortable discussing training issues with female attendings (44.3% vs 19.6% male; 34.0% unsure) and personal issues with female attendings (66.0% vs 3.1% male; 29.9% unsure). A large majority (92.8%) hoped to be future role models for female trainees.

Conclusion/Discussion: Trainees widely value mentorship and perceive a persistent need for more female mentors. Exposure to female surgeons-particularly in leadership-appears directionally associated with naming female role models and with greater comfort seeking support. Efforts to increase female surgeon visibility, leadership, and structured mentorship may strengthen recruitment, belonging, and advancement of women in surgery.