Gender-based differences in work styles and career satisfaction in the retina subspecialty in Japan

PURPOSE: To investigate differences in work styles and career satisfaction between women and men physicians in the retina subspecialty in Japan using a questionnaire survey. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was sent as an e-mail link to all 3,027 current members of the Japanese Retina and Vitreous Society in August 2023 with responses collected anonymously in September 2023. The questionnaire consisted of 4 main categories: baseline characteristics, job satisfaction, life events and career advancement, and suitability as a retina specialist and workplace gender equality. RESULTS: Valid responses were received from 614 members, representing a response rate of 20.3%. One-fifth of men (19.0%) were "very satisfied" with their job, much higher than the same for women (7.5%) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant difference between men and women who "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that life events were an impediment to one's career (44.3% vs 74.9%) (P < 0.001). There was also a significant difference between men and women who answered "strongly agree" when asked whether they felt they were suited to work in the retina subspecialty (31.0% vs 13.4%) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified and quantified marked differences in work style and career satisfaction between women and men. Such differences highlight gender-based challenges in the retina subspecialty that could be improved in order to enhance career satisfaction and career longevity of women retina specialists in Japan.