Factors That Influence Female Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Decision to Pursue a Career in Sports Medicine: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background: Despite the increased percentage of women in medical school and in orthopaedic residency programs, the percentage of women pursuing careers in sports medicine has only increased 3% over the past decade. Purpose: To investigate the experiences and perceptions of female orthopaedic surgeons about sports medicine, identifying factors influencing career interest in this surgical subspecialty. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A mixed-methods approach, combining an online survey and qualitative interviews, was utilized to compare the clinical experiences and personal perceptions of women in orthopaedic sports medicine with women in other orthopaedic subspecialties. Surveys were distributed to members of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society and the Women in Orthopaedics online forum. Descriptive statistics from the survey were compiled, with chi-square and 2-sample t test used to compare categorical and continuous variables. Purposive sampling was used to select interview participants from survey respondents to ensure diverse perspectives were collected. Interviews were conducted via video conferencing using a semistructured interview guide, and qualitative data were analyzed using grounded theory methods to develop a model of women’s interest in sports medicine careers. Results: Of the 162 online survey respondents, there were no significant differences between sports- and non–sports trained respondents regarding years in practice (P = .32) and personal athletic participation (P = .39). Among the 158 respondents who completed the entire survey, 76% (n = 120) perceived sex discrimination from various sources during their clinical training, with no significant difference in perceived sex discrimination between sports- and non–sports trained respondents (P = .07). Interviews with 22 women revealed that perceived athletic identity, timing of clinical exposure, and features within the scope of practice and cultural considerations all influenced career decision making. Conclusion: This study provides an analysis of women’s exposure to sports medicine, revealing perceived sex discrimination from multiple sources during their clinical training. Such discrimination, however, does not directly affect their decision to pursue a career in sports medicine and is comparable with women across orthopaedics in general. Factors influencing women’s career decision making in sports medicine include the scope of practice and cultural considerations. These data may serve as the foundation to increase women’s representation within sports medicine. Future research comparing the perception of bias and discrimination rates among men within sports medicine and comparison studies with other orthopaedic specialties are necessary to provide additional context to the current trends within women throughout orthopaedics.