Regardless, as a male I will be more than pleased when our first female President is sworn in. For I am convinced that no one is more qualified to be POTUS than Sarah Palin.
I think it still has to do with the old boy network, for women in general have smaller fingers and a bit more agility. Nevertheless, becoming a surgeon is a long, hard road for anyone. Babies must figure into the equation too, for that biological clock doesn't stop ticking.
One area of surgery where women have made inroads is in dentistry. Some of the best oral surgeons I've met are women. And a practice in dentistry probably has fairly regular hours that one might plan a family around.
I agree with you about Palin. Now whether the good old boys will let her run is another matter. But, if they listened to their constituents, she's be a certainty.
Happy New Year!