Introduction: Women plastic surgeons have attained parity in the specialty, yet positions of leadership remain elusive. Identification of successful pathways, forged by women leaders in our society, may help to navigate this challenging landscape. This study provides a cross-sectional analysis of common characteristics, attitudes, and achievements among women plastic surgery leaders as a key to unlock this opportunity.
Methods: A Qualtrics survey was distributed to all active members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) as of 2023. Participation was voluntary, unincentivized, and anonymous. Survey data was collected, and a cohort comprised of respondents identified as women leaders was created. General demographics, training pathways, career trajectory, practice types, current leadership roles held, personal motivations and perceptions of successful leadership qualities were recorded and analyzed.
Results: 268 survey responses were obtained and analyzed. 116 (43%) were female with 90 (77.6%) self-identified women leaders forming our primary cohort. 53% of women leaders trained in an integrated plastic surgery residency program, and 39% trained in an independent residency program; 8% pursued less common pathways ie. transfer into plastic surgery from a different specialty, completing a residency outside of the USA, or training at a ‘combined’ plastic surgery residency program. 67% decided on pursuing a fellowship with the top 3 sub-specialties being Microsurgery (25%), Hand (14%), and Craniofacial (11%). 43.8% of our cohort held a leadership position during training and 54.5% completed at least 1 year of dedicated research during training. 25% of our cohort went on to pursue an additional post-graduate degree after their clinical training such as an MBA, MPH, MSc, or PhD. 20.9% of our cohort currently hold a leadership position in a national professional organization, 20% hold a leadership position in academics, 14.2% in healthcare management, 8.4% on an editorial board, and 5% in industry and politics. The top three qualities that women leaders felt they possessed were grit/perseverance (12.7%), integrity (16.8%), and dependability (11.6%). The top overall leadership qualities and skills they identified as key to being a great leader were communication (19.6%), empowerment (13.3%), curiosity (12.6%), and integrity (12.6%). Our cohorts’ top 3 recommendations that young trainees aspiring to be successful leaders should prioritize are identifying networks (29.6%), seeking mentorship (22%), and harnessing inner drive (15.4%). 52% of current women leaders were inspired to become a leader because of their mentors who held similar positions; 57% had a male mentor.
Conclusion: The landscape of Plastic Surgery requires identification of critical components to successful leadership for women to use as a navigation tool. This study identifies those key aspects leveraged from existing successful female leaders to unlock this pathway.