Does gender give you an advantage in applying to certain specialties?

[FunnyDocMan1234]

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For example, pediatrics is 75% females these days so I would imagine that programs want a better balance of genders for diversity and whatnot - so would a male have a better chance to get into top programs/fellowships in the field? Same with females and surgery, males and derm?

 

[FSU2013]

For example, pediatrics is 75% females these days so I would imagine that programs want a better balance of genders for diversity and whatnot - so would a male have a better chance to get into top programs/fellowships in the field? Same with females and surgery, males and derm?

I've heard being a male is a significant benefit in OB/gyn because they are so few and far between - don't know if there is any validity to that, but I wouldn't be surprised if every program wants their "token" guy. Also, ortho is still a guys club. Some girls make it, but they aren't very common. I suspect this is a combination of some old-school sexist mentality with a hefty dose of self-selection.