Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 4)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 5)
Medical Student
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Community/Public Health
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Introduction: Female representation in spine surgery remains low, with only 4% of orthopedic spine surgeons and 9% of neurosurgeons identifying as female. Studies have shown that factors such as societal perceptions, limited support for family planning, and a lack of mentorship deter women from pursuing surgical careers. We hypothesize that representation may be further impacted in US-Border regions. Specifically, over 90% of Texas' 32 border counties lack sufficient primary care services, including specialty care such as orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery, leading residents to seek care outside the region. Here, we sought to evaluate the demographics of spine surgeons (orthopedic and neurosurgical) in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) compared to urban Texas areas, to assess how rurality impacts workforce composition and spine care equity.
Methods: We collected data from four major Texas regions: RGV, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, using the September 2024 Texas State Medical Board Physician Database. Spine surgeons were identified based on ZIP codes and spine fellowship completion. Surgeons specializing in other subspecialties or neurosurgeons not practicing general or spine-specific surgery were excluded. Demographic factors including sex, ethnicity, MD vs. DO status, and International Medical Graduate (IMG) vs. U.S. medical graduate (US) status were reviewed.
Results: Overall, we found that the RGV had the highest proportion of Hispanic spine surgeons in Texas (31.6%) (p = 1.17E-05). Although metropolitan areas exhibited slightly higher female representation, overall numbers remained low. In the RGV, spine surgeons were more likely to be IMGs (42.1%) and DOs (5.3%) (p
Conclusions: Our study highlights a significant gender disparity among spine surgeons in Texas. Increasing outreach and mentorship programs targeting women and underrepresented groups could help create a more diverse spine surgery workforce and improve access to care in underserved regions.
Recommended Citation
Murambadoro, Anesu K.; Garcia Valdez, Kevin; De La Torre Schutz, Patrick; McAdams, Allison J.; Binoy, Anjali Rose; and Baker, Kelsey, "Spine Surgery in South Texas: The Impact of Rurality on Surgeon Demographics and Access to Care" (2025). Research Symposium. 3.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/3
Included in
Spine Surgery in South Texas: The Impact of Rurality on Surgeon Demographics and Access to Care
Introduction: Female representation in spine surgery remains low, with only 4% of orthopedic spine surgeons and 9% of neurosurgeons identifying as female. Studies have shown that factors such as societal perceptions, limited support for family planning, and a lack of mentorship deter women from pursuing surgical careers. We hypothesize that representation may be further impacted in US-Border regions. Specifically, over 90% of Texas' 32 border counties lack sufficient primary care services, including specialty care such as orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery, leading residents to seek care outside the region. Here, we sought to evaluate the demographics of spine surgeons (orthopedic and neurosurgical) in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) compared to urban Texas areas, to assess how rurality impacts workforce composition and spine care equity.
Methods: We collected data from four major Texas regions: RGV, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, using the September 2024 Texas State Medical Board Physician Database. Spine surgeons were identified based on ZIP codes and spine fellowship completion. Surgeons specializing in other subspecialties or neurosurgeons not practicing general or spine-specific surgery were excluded. Demographic factors including sex, ethnicity, MD vs. DO status, and International Medical Graduate (IMG) vs. U.S. medical graduate (US) status were reviewed.
Results: Overall, we found that the RGV had the highest proportion of Hispanic spine surgeons in Texas (31.6%) (p = 1.17E-05). Although metropolitan areas exhibited slightly higher female representation, overall numbers remained low. In the RGV, spine surgeons were more likely to be IMGs (42.1%) and DOs (5.3%) (p
Conclusions: Our study highlights a significant gender disparity among spine surgeons in Texas. Increasing outreach and mentorship programs targeting women and underrepresented groups could help create a more diverse spine surgery workforce and improve access to care in underserved regions.
