When the first American female physician graduated from medical school in 1849, it signaled the beginning of a new era for women in medicine. Originally admitted to the school as a joke, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell studied obstetrics and pediatrics before opening her own private practice in New York.
While Blackwell struggled with sexism during the 19th century, today's female physicians face their own challenges. Although women are now outpacing men in medical school enrollment for the first time in history, per the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), they may still encounter obstacles.
Challenges for Women in Medicine
According to a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, patients who receive care from female physicians are more likely to have better outcomes than those treated by male physicians. Yet women in medicine still experience challenges in the workplace. For example, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that female speakers were less likely than men to be introduced with their professional title (either M.D. or Ph.D.) during grand rounds. Another study in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that female physicians are paid less, are less likely to be promoted and spend about 8.5 more hours per week on household activities. They also experience higher rates of burnout and perceived discrimination while pregnant or nursing.
Despite these problems, there's no denying the burgeoning popularity of medicine as a career path for women. While change doesn't happen overnight, members of the medical community can take steps to help support female physicians. Consider these opportunities to be a champion for the next generation of women in medicine.
Be a Mentor
Young physicians can benefit from support and guidance from established doctors. But the close relationships of the past between senior physicians and trainees have largely disappeared, according to a recent editorial published in JAMA Internal Medicine. This may be due in part to high patient turnover, stressful hospital environments and increasing demands placed on staff members. However, Medical News Today noted that physicians with mentors make more informed career decisions, are more productive, experience less burnout and have an improved sense of well-being. To learn how to become a mentor, contact your local medical school or medical organization.
Set a Good Example
Experienced female physicians can be good role models by treating each other with respect and setting a standard of conduct for burgeoning clinicians to follow. They can also foster a sense of community by participating in networking organizations, attending job fairs, and speaking at local and national conferences and medical schools.
One of the greatest challenges for both male and female physicians involves balancing work and family. However, Reuters reported that women in medicine are more likely to make professional adjustments to accommodate their responsibilities at home. This may mean cutting back work hours, entering private practice or stopping professional work altogether.
To encourage female physicians to stay in the field, explore resources that promote work-life balance for your practice. Medical schools can help too: The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation awarded grants to 10 medical schools to fund more mentorship and career development opportunities for early career doctors, particularly those with extra caregiving burdens, according to the Reuters article.
These and other steps can help support young female physicians as they enter the workforce. Over time, the world can expect the field of medicine to evolve to suit the needs of all physicians, especially women.
