1. Together simply better-How female empowerment promotes everyone. The female vascular surgeons of the Chirurginnen e.V.
- Author
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Werra, Ursula Elisabeth Maria, Rauch, Miriam, Hettenbach, Franziska, Stula, Astrid, Fendler-Wollbold, Katja, Korsake, Kristina, Gumpp, Kathrin Brigitte, Stange, Barbara, Richardt, Doreen, Schlosser, Katja, Hoffmann-Wieker, Carola Marie, Werra, Ursula Elisabeth Maria, Rauch, Miriam, Hettenbach, Franziska, Stula, Astrid, Fendler-Wollbold, Katja, Korsake, Kristina, Gumpp, Kathrin Brigitte, Stange, Barbara, Richardt, Doreen, Schlosser, Katja, and Hoffmann-Wieker, Carola Marie
- Abstract
Nearly 60% of surgical residents in Germany are female. Nevertheless, in 2021 only 26.5% of the 2300 vascular surgeons in Germany were women. In a competitive setting such as surgery, reaching higher career levels after becoming board certified remains a particular challenge for women. This phenomenon is called the glass ceiling effect. Nevertheless, the underrepresentation of women in surgery is not only due to structural aspects but is especially also caused by a lack of visibility and so far lack of networks. In January 2021 the association Die Chirurginnen e.V' was founded. In June 2022 it already comprised more than 1200 members and therefore approximately 10% of all practicing female surgeons in Germany. Besides direct exchange in various working and interest groups, local networks and a well-structured communication platform, the association provides mutual support amongst members at every career level. Due to a widespread presence in social media and at congresses, surgical disciplines are less and less seen as an entirely male domain. However, not only women are missing in vascular surgery and all other surgical disciplines. To make surgical specialties attractive again for all colleagues, interpersonal and structural aspects also need to change.
- Published
- 2022