Introduction The highest percentage of female surgeons is found in pediatric surgery but most departments are led by men. The aim of this study is to evaluate gender-related career goals, perceived career opportunities, and reasons for differences.

Materials and Methods An online questionnaire was created and distributed to pediatric surgeons in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria between July and September 2020. Participants were asked to state current position, career goals, and perceived career opportunities in comparison to a colleague of the opposite gender. Reasons for gender-related differences were asked for as free-text comments.

Results A total of 182 questionnaires were analyzed. The overall gender ratio was balanced but junior positions were predominantly held by women, while there were more men in leading positions. Most women pursued a position as a consultant, while the majority of men aimed for a leading position. Men mostly regard both genders to have the same career opportunities, whereas most women believe the chances of men to be better. From the free-text answers, three following categories for gender-related differences in career chances were derived: (1) absences due to maternity, (2) differing support and bias arising from gender-related stereotypes, and (3) assumed personality traits.

Conclusion There are gender-related differences in career opportunities in pediatric surgery. Gender equality is needed not only to overcome injustice but also to maximize team efficiency and collaboration. Career support needs to be gender-independent and (unconscious) bias needs to be recognized and eradicated.

简介 女外科医生比例最高的是小儿外科，但大多数科室由男性领导。本研究的目的是评估与性别相关的职业目标、感知的职业机会和差异的原因。

材料和方法 在 2020 年 7 月至 2020 年 9 月期间，我们制作了一份在线问卷并分发给德国、瑞士和奥地利的儿科外科医生。参与者被要求陈述当前职位、职业目标和与异性同事相比的职业机会. 性别相关差异的原因被要求作为自由文本评论。

结果 共分析了 182 份问卷。总体性别比例平衡，但初级职位主要由女性担任，而担任领导职位的男性较多。大多数女性追求的是顾问职位，而大多数男性的目标是领导职位。男性大多认为男女都拥有相同的职业机会，而大多数女性则认为男性的机会更好。从自由文本的答案中，得出以下三类与性别相关的职业机会差异：(1) 因生育而缺勤，(2) 与性别相关的刻板印象引起的不同支持和偏见，以及 (3) 假定的人格特质.

结论 小儿外科职业机会存在性别差异。性别平等不仅是为了克服不公正，也是为了最大限度地提高团队效率和协作。职业支持需要与性别无关，需要承认和消除（无意识的）偏见。