The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is deeply concerned by a recent article published in The Times (1 May), authored by Martin Samuel, which perpetuates outdated and damaging stereotypes regarding orthopaedic surgeons.
The assertion that the majority of orthopaedic surgeons are men because the field requires these specialists to fit a certain stereotype is not only misleading, but also undermines the significant contributions made by women in this field.
The competency of an orthopaedic surgeon is determined by a wide range of skills, including surgical precision, communication, decision making, and teamwork – not physical strength.
In reality, the number of female resident surgeons going into orthopaedic surgery is increasing, due to the complex, challenging, and diverse nature of the skills required.
Our College remains committed to upholding the values of inclusivity and diversity and actively encourages greater diversity in the orthopaedic workforce by supporting initiatives that encourage women to enter and thrive in the field.
Platforming outdated views like those shared in this article may discourage talented women from pursuing careers in surgery, and we feel it’s important to challenge these notions, in order to build a more inclusive and representative healthcare environment.