Work and life satisfaction of female urologists in Korea

초록

Purpose: To evaluate career satisfaction, mentorship experience, work–life balance, and perceptions of gender discrimination among female urology residents and specialists in Korea. Materials and Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among female urologists, including residents and board-certified specialists. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, mentorship experience, career satisfaction, personal life satisfaction, work-related stress, and experiences of gender discrimination. Results: A total of 41 respondents participated, including 11 residents and 30 specialists. Most specialists (63.3%) practiced in tertiary or secondary hospitals, and 21 (70.0%) specialized in female urology or voiding dysfunction. Only 9.1% of residents and 33.3% of specialists reported substantial mentorship during training, with the most common barrier being the absence of experts in the desired field. While 60.0% of specialists and 54.5% of residents stated they would choose urology again, 56.7% and 45.5%, respectively, would not recommend the specialty to their children. Residents reported higher work-related stress (median, 7 vs. 5, p>0.05), whereas personal life satisfaction was similar between groups (median, 6 vs. 7, p>0.05). All residents reported workload adjustments, whereas 95.0% of specialists reported unchanged duties. Approximately one-third experienced gender discrimination, mainly during residency, most often from colleagues or patients, and 81.6% perceived male preference in employment. Conclusions: Female urologists in Korea demonstrate strong professional dedication but there remain challenges related to mentorship scarcity, gender bias, and work–life imbalance. Efforts to strengthen mentorship and promote equitable workplace policies are essential to enhance satisfaction and retention among women in urology.

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