Surgery is a field that is ever-evolving that historically has been one that is male-dominated over the last decade the number of female medical students and trainees has significantly increased and now females make up the majority of medical students. However, the rate of females pursuing surgery and sub surgical Specialties has not followed the same Trend minorities are substantially UNDER REPRESENTED There are still barriers that exist that prevent certain minorities from entering these fields. Especially Muslim women have a difficult time finding a balance between being modest while also complying with hospital and operating room regulations. To address these barriers to surgery extensive research was conducted when they found hijab wearing residents The American College of Surgeons was contacted and asked about any hijab wearing women who are members in the ACS upon compiling demographics. Or seeing the census a search was conducted across different countries and Hospital cultures to determine possible solutions and accommodations for hijab in the OT. After researching over 575 residency programs. Surgery, orthopaedic surgery and general surgery there were nine (9 HIJABIS) identified Out of 9673 nine thousand six hundred and seventy three residents. That is less than one tenth of a percent out of those eight of them were general surgery residents and one was in orthopaedic surgery resident. Upon contacting the American College of surgery membership committee. There was one identifiable hijab wearing surgeon. Since then I wish they make Alternatives like long sleeve scrub jackets which could be easily accessible in locker rooms for hijab wearing women to wear over their scrubs, it would be most comfortable for women to wear a long sleeve scrub jacket over their scrubs. Similarly surgical hoods should be made readily available in the locker rooms. So that the woman who wear hijab can easily cover their hijab and remain compliant with both sterile and modest attire. This is how you can request and implement accommodations at medical school and institutions for the barriers that prevent Muslim woman from pursuing careers in surgery CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE PERSONNEL In order to accommodate your needs you can reach out to those people who have the ability to accommodate and make the change. They can be HR manager, OT nurse manager at your hospital or The Clinical Director or the dean of student affairs in medical school. INTAKE FORM Update your intake form when beginning clinical rotations or accepting a new position as a resident or attending indicate on your intake form that you will be requesting accommodations to wear hijab in the OT these include sleeve scrub jackets surgical hoods to cover your hijab. Wear the proper sub sterile attire and with accommodations are in place, you can comfortably wear your hijab and hijab appropriate clothing that compiles with Hospital regulation. It may take some time getting used to it at first but wearing a comfortable slip-on hijab that's light-coloured and a surgical hood over is the best and most feasible option for compliance with sub sterile environment of the OT And remember it's all about the qualifications and not what you choose to wear on the outside. You can break all the obstacles. Hijab is not an obstacle.
