Trends in Gender Diversity in Orthopaedic Surgery

This research article examines trends in gender diversity within the field of orthopaedic surgery, focusing on the representation of female surgeons over a six-year period from 2018 to 2023. The study utilizes data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to analyze the number of practicing female orthopaedic surgeons and their patient caseload. Historical data indicates a gradual increase in female representation among orthopaedic residents, rising from 0.6% in 1970 to 20.3% in 2023. The findings reveal that while there has been a national increase in the percentage of female orthopaedic surgeons, this growth is slower compared to other surgical specialties. The article also discusses regional variations in female representation, noting significant increases in the Pacific West and South Atlantic regions. Limitations of the study include the focus on CMS providers, which may not fully represent all practicing orthopaedic surgeons in the United States. Overall, the research highlights ongoing gender disparities and the need for targeted recruitment efforts.