Trailblazing surgeons: A qualitative interview study on balancing leadership, family and career among women surgeon leaders in South, East, and Southeast Asia.

Abstract

Workplace challenges faced by female surgeons in Asia have not been as extensively studied as those in Western countries. In traditionally patriarchal Asian societies, few women surgeons reach leadership positions, but the reasons for their success remain underexplored. This study aimed to examine how women surgeon leaders in South, East, and Southeast Asia navigated family related challenges while balancing career demands. Female surgeons from South, East, and Southeast Asia with institutional, national, or international leadership roles were recruited through purposive sampling to ensure regional representation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English either online or face to face, and thematic analysis was applied. Themes were identified and refined through consensus, with analyses supported by ATLAS.ti software. Thirty-one interviews were conducted, involving 7 (23%) South Asian surgeons, 5 (16%) East Asian surgeons, and 19 (61%) Southeast Asian surgeons. Six main themes were identified: familial roles and expectations, marriage and family life, pregnancy, breastfeeding, childcare, and balance between career and family. Female surgeons juggled multiple familial roles while pursuing a demanding career. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and childcare were integrated with training and surgical commitments, many with great difficulty. Some acknowledged that workplace commitments contributed to singlehood, divorce, or delayed family planning. Nearly all emphasized prioritizing family over career. Family related challenges significantly impact career decisions and pathways for female surgeons in Asia. As more women enter the surgical workforce, targeted strategies are needed to ensure equity in opportunities.