The Interest of Women Medical Students in Urology. The Major Deterrents!

Abstract

Introduction: The medical profession was formerly a male-dominated one, but over the years, the population of female medical students has risen. The representation of women in surgery and allied specialities has always been a debate accross the world. Like most surgical fields, Urology remains a male dominant profession. A critical component of the advancement of any field is the reqruitment of the brightest medical students of both genders. To improve the distaff workforce, it is important to understand why qualified students would not enter the field. Objectives & Methodology: A total of 218 questionnaires were filled. 94 from final year students, and 124 house officers and postgraduate female doctors. The respondents were asked to choose the most appropriate response and choices among the options listed and were allowed to choose at least one but not more than three options. Results: Out of 218 females, only 26% choose to opt a career in urology, where as 74% females had a clear answer that was NO. Those who wished to join surgery considered stress during the working hours (47.8%), lifestyle and family concerns (45.7%), and interest that developed during the medical graduation (35.7%) as strong determinants. Male dominance in the field (47.8%), “do not want to operate on the genitals” (45.6%), and cultural issues (29.1%) to be the most deterring factors. Discussion: The choice of specialty by medical students is a complex process involving a myriad of variables. Lifestyle and family concerns have been the most important determining factor for choice in any surgical field (urology career 5), 45.7% in our study, which is consistent with other studies across the world, but surprisingly 15.9% of respondents cited lifestyle as a negative factor in choosing the field. The more concerning factors that refrain the final year students to enter the field as compared to house officers and postgraduate residents were lack of interest, poor lifestyle, and high work stress in the field. Adequate clinical exposure to urology enables medical students to build a rational perception of the field. The decision making can be unbiased only when it is not influenced by myths related to urology and other specializations. Conclusion It is important to develop a realistic perception of urological field that includes female urology as well. It should be ensured that medical students have clinical exposure to urology, receiving appropriate mentorship, and develop a curriculam of the specialty during undergraduate program that may substantially facilitate recruitment. Keywords: Female Urology; Women; Clinical practice; Urology

Women in urology: breaking down the barriers

“…The perception of urology being a ‘male’ field is strong in some countries. Using surveys of female junior doctors and final year medical students from Pakistan and Italy, for example, a strong deterrent included male dominance and a perception of a sexist environment in the field 5,6 . The stereotype of the personality of someone who is more ‘surgical’ than ‘medical’ can imply traits of confidence and assertiveness, which are traits that are not always well received when exhibited by women.…”

“…Using surveys of female junior doctors and final year medical students from Pakistan and Italy, for example, a strong deterrent included male dominance and a perception of a sexist environment in the field. 5,6 The stereotype of the personality of someone who is more 'surgical' than 'medical' can imply traits of confidence and assertiveness, which are traits that are not always well received when exhibited by women. This can be visible in the clinical workplace, and will be observed by students and junior doctors as part of the 'hidden curriculum'.…”