Share of Females in Nephrology of Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Iran located in Southern, Western part of Asia(Middle East), with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of 4,500USD and 75 million population, is among middle income countries. 24% are younger than 15 years and the median age is 26.7 years, which means a serious competition through National Entrance Examination for universities. Currently,60% of those who pass the entrance exam of universities in medical fields are female. Historically in Iran as many other parts of the world, women's participation in practice of medicine has been significantly restricted. Access to medical education in Iran was achieved by women with effort to win the competition which continued through higher educational levels of specialties and subspecialties. According to the MOH an internal medicine specialist with board certificate can apply for entrance exam of nephrology fellowship. Afterward, if he or she pass the final national board exam, he/she gets subspecialty certificate which ensure academic employment opportunities. As the number of nephrologists all over the country is low yet, they are all involved in different aspects of nephrology; general nephrology, transplantation and dialysis. Methods: The data of all participants of nephrology fellowship and the results of its board exam in MOH from 1990-2011 was reviewed. Results: As the figures show, whereas the absolute number of nephrologists increased from less than 25 in 1990 to 100 in 2000 and 200 in 2011, the 4% share of females increased to 26% and 37% respectively. Further investigation in female medical specialists’ perspective of their objectives of further qualification, intentions, and how they managed extra family commitment in addition to establishing a practice would be more informative for role modeling for future generations.Figure: [number of nephrologists from 1991-2011]Figure: [Sex Percentage of nephrology(1991-2011)]