Trans-Atlantic Analysis of Gender Representation in General Thoracic Surgery: Challenges Permeate the Academic Community

This cross-sectional study examined gender representation in general thoracic surgery across 30 training programs in the United States and Europe (2023–2024). Women comprised 17.7 percent of faculty in US programs and 29.5 percent in European centers. Female representation in leadership was limited, with women serving as thoracic surgery program directors in 26.7 percent of US and 13 percent of European programs. While women were well represented among trainee society members (US: 39.2 percent, Europe: 46.1 percent), their proportion dropped significantly among active and senior members (US: 12.9 percent, Europe: 19.2 percent). The findings reveal persistent global disparities in women’s advancement to faculty and leadership roles, despite progress at the trainee levels. Barriers such as mentorship gaps and systemic biases hinder career progression. The authors call for targeted, collaborative strategies to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion.