Australian medical students’ and junior doctors' perceptions of gender discrepancies in obstetrics and gynaecology

Abstract

Background There is currently a gender imbalance 85:15 female/male in the intake into specialist training for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Aims To determine the views and perceptions of Australian medical students, and junior doctors in the first five years of practice, toward obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) as a career, including whether there are any perceived barriers to the pursuit of such a career. Materials and Methods A semi‐structured questionnaire was developed with members of the RANZCOG Gender Equity and Diversity Working Group There were two separate studies: the first involved telephone interviews of medical students across three campuses of a medical school in North Queensland. The second study surveyed junior doctors in Queensland who are members of the Australian Medical Association. Responses were analysed and compared using quantitative and qualitative methods. Results Both studies found that experiences with O&G as a medical student influenced the decision to pursue O&G as a career. Exclusion from clinical scenarios and difficulty establishing good relationship with midwives within busy birthing suites were some reasons deterring male students from O&G. In addition, students felt poorly informed about the specialty in their preclinical years, affecting their early decisions in choice of specialty. Post‐rotation, more female than male students reported positive experiences and were considering O&G as a career. Conclusions Both groups see medical student experience as critical in attitudes toward the specialty as a possible career. This experience plays a significant role in encouraging female students toward a career in O&G and discouraging male students. More exposure to the specialty in the preclinical years, and attention to improving clinical rotations for all students, is required.

Fewer men choosing an obstetrics and gynaecology career

“…Surviving birth suite as a medical student traditionally is regarded as a rite of passage, but evidence points to discrimination and bias being a common experience for undergraduate and prevocational students in obstetrics and gynaecology, particularly on delivery units, with males impacted disproportionately according to findings Kyaw et al 1 reported in this ANZJOG issue, corroborating previous studies. [2][3][4][5] A career in obstetrics and gynaecology (O & G) is not that appealing, even less so for men, representing fewer than 20% in RANZCOG (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) specialist training, and only 35% of general practitioners undertaking the advanced RANZCOG diploma.…”

“…Surviving birth suite as a medical student traditionally is regarded as a rite of passage, but evidence points to discrimination and bias being a common experience for undergraduate and prevocational students in obstetrics and gynaecology, particularly on delivery units, with males impacted disproportionately according to findings Kyaw et al 1 . reported in this ANZJOG issue, corroborating previous studies 2–5 .…”

“…3 A suite of recommendations aiming to improve learning experience for both male and female medical students has been proposed, with three broad categories: earlier exposure in medical school, overcoming biases and open discussion of lifestyle factors. 1,7 Moves to reduce clinical O & G in undergraduate programs are concerning given the influence of early experience on future carer choices. 8,9 The prevocational group PVOGS, which is affiliated with RANZCOG, engages with junior doctors and medical students interested in O & G, filling the gap between finishing medical school and starting specialist training with an advocacy, supportive and educational role.…”

“…Under the direction of GEDWG, Kyaw et al 1 . conducted qualitative interviews of two medical cohorts in Queensland: medical students in year 4 and doctors in their first five years of training.…”

“…A suite of recommendations aiming to improve learning experience for both male and female medical students has been proposed, with three broad categories: earlier exposure in medical school, overcoming biases and open discussion of lifestyle factors 1,7 . Moves to reduce clinical O & G in undergraduate programs are concerning given the influence of early experience on future carer choices 8,9 .…”