A Brief Journey Through Time
Following International Women’s Day this month, I decided to re-live the past about an issue I remain passionate about to this day by focusing on the history of women in medicine.
From historical hurdles to modern-day milestones, the medical profession’s landscape has been challenging for women, adorned with both struggle and success.
But are these barriers slowly being broken down?
It’s a tale of resilience and reform, where revolutionary women continue to forge paths through the once impenetrable walls of a male-dominated field.
As I delve further into the narrative of women in the profession I ultimately stand beside, I uncover the strides and setbacks, painting a slow portrait of progress.
Pioneering Pacesetters: The Maiden Voyage Into Medicine
The first beacon of progress in the UK, where I was born, was the admission of women into the medical profession.
It was the London School of Medicine for Women, established in 1874, that opened its doors to the first female medical students, setting a precedent for inclusion and igniting a movement that would grow with time.
These pioneers faced immense prejudice and resilience, yet their determination laid the groundwork for future generations.
For an extended period, the Royal Free Hospital stood as a beacon of inclusivity in London, championing women’s access to medical education. In partnership with the London School of Medicine for Women, established in 1877, the hospital provided a nurturing environment for female students to complete their clinical training.
Spearheaded by Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, a trailblazing advocate for women’s rights in medicine, it is proudly affiliated with the University of London, solidifying its commitment towards gender equality.
She is also known for being the first woman to qualify in Britain as a physician and surgeon.
By 1896, this commitment flourished into the esteemed London Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine for Women, symbolising a pivotal shift towards gender-inclusive medical education.
In 1998, the institution made a historic stride forward by merging with the medical school of University College Hospital, further amplifying opportunities for aspiring female medical professionals.
This momentous amalgamation led to the institution’s rechristening as UCL Medical School in 2008, reaffirming its dedication to empowering women in medicine and fostering an environment of equality and opportunity for all.
Bias And Barriers: The Historical Hurdles
Despite the initial breakthrough, women in medicine have historically navigated a labyrinth of gender bias and institutional barriers.
From limited access to education and training to unequal pay, opportunities and covert sexual harassment, the climb has been and continues to be steep.
Women have historically been relegated to certain specialties, deemed more ‘appropriate’ for their gender, while leadership roles have largely remained elusive.
Statistical Snapshots: The Present Picture
Today, the tide is turning, albeit gradually. Women account for a growing percentage of the medical workforce, with over 50% of medical school entrants being female in certain countries.
According to the OECD, in 2019, almost half of all doctors were female. This ranged from about three-quarters in Latvia and Estonia to less than one-quarter in Japan and South Korea.
However, the higher echelons of medicine still reflect a stark gender disparity. For instance, in the UK, only about a third of specialist positions are held by women and the gender pay gap in medicine looms large, with female doctors earning significantly less than their male counterparts.
Furthermore, surgeons continue to be predominantly male despite a narrowing of the gap. 27 percent of surgeons are women, compared with 24 percent in 2009.
Cultural Shifts: Changing The Clinical Climate
The medical profession is slowly but surely transforming.
Initiatives aimed at mentorship and leadership development for women are gaining ground. Policies addressing work-life balance, parental leave and flexible working hours make the profession more accessible and equitable.
There is a growing recognition of the need for diversity in medical research, acknowledging that gender differences can impact diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.
The Superior Trendsetters: Women Who “Wowed”
Throughout history, many women have shattered ceilings and set new standards in medicine.
Figures like Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States and Gerty Cori, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, have paved the way.
In the UK, Dame Sally Davies, the first female Chief Medical Officer for England, exemplifies the heights women can achieve in the medical hierarchy.
Advocacy And Action: The March For Momentum
The struggle is far from over and the need for continuing advocacy remains self-evident.
Organisations like the Medical Women’s Federation and the American Medical Women’s Association have been instrumental in championing the rights and representation of women in the field.
These groups and many individuals advocate for policy changes, provide networking opportunities and promote research on women’s health issues.
The Unfinished Symphony Of Success
The narrative of women in medicine is one of remarkable resilience and indomitable spirit.
It’s a story that continues to unfold, with each achievement and every obstacle overcome adding notes to an unfinished symphony of success.
Above all else, it still grates me to this day that, when I have been working in a hospital setting, I have overheard patients addressing a female member of staff adorned, professionally, in scrubs and asking, “When am I going to see the doctor?“
I sense the so-called female medical staff member rolling her eyes in the back of her head and then answering with the usual calm and collected reply: “Thank you for asking, but you’re actually talking to one.“
My Motive of Mentioning This
Well, it may become more apparent if you knew I had the privilege of qualifying as a doctor from the above medical institution nearly a quarter of a century ago. Perhaps we should stop asking the same old, relentless question regarding gender disparity and fix the problem.
Now.
What about you? Do you think the zeitgeist of today’s societal attitude towards women in medicine is finally changing?
Thoughts and comments are welcome.
For more information regarding this subject, please refer to the Medical Women’s Federation here.
You can read more about my thoughts on suicide, in general, in a previously published article by clicking here.
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