By Muneebah Umar, 20, United States

Numerous studies have drawn conclusions implying that “patients often have better health outcomes when cared for by physicians of similar backgrounds who can identify with their life experiences.” In recent decades, the population of countries, like the United States, has become increasingly diverse. With this, the demographics of medical school applicants have shifted. In 2018-19, 50% of American medical school matriculants were women.  Increasing female enrollment in medical schools is a positive indicator; however, fewer than 34% of practicing physicians in America are women. This number drastically decreases when looking at certain specialties such as surgery. Furthermore, within medical leadership, i.e. medical school deans and hospital CEOs, women barely make up 15% of C-suite members. 

While increased female interest and entry into the medical field is a positive sign, the low number of female physicians who reach high-ranking positions within medicine is indicative of internal issues within the field.  Linda Chaudron, MD, the AAMC Group on Women in Medicine and Science Steering Committee chair said:

“While we celebrate the high percentages of women entering medicine and science, we must diligently and intentionally address the extremely slow rate of change in the proportions of women in leadership positions.”

Despite an increasing number of female medical school students and graduates, women still experience numerous inequalities when compared to their male colleagues. On average, women physicians earn less than men, are less likely to get promoted, and do not receive funding and publications at the same rate. 

This information is disheartening. The contributions of female physicians have been shown to be incredibly effective. Studies have indicated that “women physicians may provide better clinical care and health care system savings in comparison with their male counterparts.” When given the opportunity, women may be more collaborative as well. 

It is clear that there are current practices in place that hinder the progress of female physicians from the start of their training. Solutions must begin with students’ entry into medical school and continue throughout their careers. 

One of the most important practices within medical training is mentorship. Currently, women in medicine have reported that they find it more difficult to find willing, helpful mentors as compared to surveyed men. Mentorship leads to a variety of opportunities and is often a gateway to career advancement. By creating more female-specific mentorship opportunities, potential pathways for advancement are opened. Furthermore, current institutions will need to prioritize inclusion training, female-orientated practices and policies to ensure that no one is held back and equal opportunities are provided.  

Progress has been made in addressing disparities in terms of career advancement for women and fundamentally understanding why it is important to solve them. With the United States currently experiencing physician shortfalls, AAMC Chief Academic Officer John Prescott, MD, said: 

“One fundamental way we can recruit and retain health care workers is to ensure equitable, inclusive environments that allow women and underrepresented groups to flourish.”

Long-term investment in empowering the upward advancement for female physicians will yield a more inclusive landscape within the medical field as well as translate to overall improved patient care.

Muneebah Umar is a Biological Sciences major at Mississippi State University. Her main passion lies within the intersection of humanities and medicine, and the power writing has when it comes to self-advocacy and change. “I want to focus on furthering my own writing skills so that I can shed light on issues and causes that I’m passionate about and interested in.”