The impact of gender balance in medical subspecialties on microaggressions and discrimination faced by Asian American women healthcare workers.
Publication Title
American journal of surgery
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-23-2025
Keywords
oregon; ppmc; diversity
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study investigates experiences of Asian American women healthcare workers (HCWs) in various medical specialties, especially those in men-dominated ones, with the goal of identifying key factors that underlie barriers to workplace satisfaction and professional advancement for this group of healthcare professionals.
DESIGN: We conducted a qualitative study of self-identified Asian American women HCWs in the Pacific Northwest. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via videoconference and transcribed. Interviews were coded, then analyzed for themes with an inductive, iterative approach to thematic analysis.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Participants in men-dominant fields, including surgical specialties, reported frequent instances of gender-based microaggressions and discrimination. Major themes such as bias against motherhood, unequal access to mentorship, and underestimation of competence were associated with barriers to career advancement for women HCWs, particularly in men-dominated specialties.
Area of Special Interest
Women & Children
Specialty/Research Institute
Epidemiology
Specialty/Research Institute
Health Care Administration
DOI
10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116675
