Advancing women in medical leadership

Advancing women in medical leadership

“…Overall, these issues strengthen the importance of evidence‐based research to further understand the extent and nature of bias, including the underlying beliefs and determinants and how best to address these at individual and organisational and systems levels to support equity for all (as noted by Keane) . As we outlined in our original article, the Athena SWAN (Scientific Women's Academic Network) charter has shown that organisational and systems level change, along with measurement and transparent reporting, is necessary for progress towards equity in academia. A similar initiative in health and medicine is needed to determine comparable strategies effective in enabling equity, including in areas such as access to parental leave for all parents.…”

“…In reply : We support the need for action to enable women to attain their career goals in medical leadership and agree with the observations of Learoyd and Holmes‐Walker. Research is providing emerging insights into the drivers of inequity, including challenges in capacity and perceived capability and credibility that continue to hinder women's career progression, even in largely female fields such as endocrinology …”

“…The Endocrine Society of Australia has made efforts to promote equity in leadership — 40% of councillors are now women, and after intervention strategies, numbers of female speakers at its seminars have increased. However, for effective change, systems and processes are needed alongside individual champions to raise awareness, build capacity and support perceived capability and credibility for leadership …”

Advancing women in medical leadership

“…To the Editor : Teede's inspirational, forward‐looking review should also prompt scrutiny of the philosophical constructs underpinning gender equity.…”

“…Although statistics are frequently used to support either the attainment of gender equity, as they are in Teede's article, or the lack of it, the concept of “disparate impact” needs to be considered. This describes the situation where groups which have protection under the law (eg, for race or gender) experience disadvantage despite all the rules being formally neutral.…”