Determinants of career structure and advancement among Italian cardiologists. An example of segregation and discrimination against women?

The careers of female cardiologists

“…However, there is an uneven distribution between male and female cardiologists in career positions and this is the subject of an article by Modena et al [1] in the present issue. The uneven representation is not specific for women in clinical practice.…”

Women in cardiology: a European perspective

“…12 The female share of academic cardiology appears to be even smaller, forming less than 5% of Italy's full professors. 4 Similarly, only 7% of the European scientific board members of the Italian Heart Journal are women, 13 although female scientific productivity (in terms of funded grants and published papers) is similar to that of men. 3 …”

“…7 The female quota in Italian medical schools has progressively grown, equalling (in the 1980s) and outnumbering (in the 1990s) that of men. 4 Recent statistics indicate that women compared to men are less inclined to leave college prematurely, achieving a degree somewhat sooner and with better grades. 1 4 The exact proportion of European female graduates who go on to specialised training is not easily available.…”

“…In medicine, and particularly in cardiology, women are generally under-represented among heads of units, administrators, and executives. [1][2][3][4][5] For them, positions associated with secretarial assistance (which is often female) are still considered unnecessary or inappropriate, perhaps through the confused concept that women should be secretaries (and wives) unto themselves. But if women can be trusted to raise children, they can handle the challenges of clinical problem solving, procedures, teaching, fundraising, politics, and research, at all levels of responsibility and authority.…”

The female psychiatrist: professional, personal and social issues

“…There are several studies looking into the determinants of career structure and advancement of female doctors (Modena et al, 1999).…”