Number Of Female Medical Students Research Articles

'Status Quo' on Different Aspects of Gender Distribution in Rheumatology in Germany-Results from a Nationwide Online Survey among Physicians.

Despite the increasing number of female medical students and fellows in Europe, women are still under-represented in higher academic careers and positions in medicine. The aim of this survey was to assess the 'status quo' on gender distribution among rheumatologists in Germany. A web-based anonymous survey (21 questions with multiple answers and free text) using QuestionPro® was distributed among rheumatologists in Germany via newsletters, social media and personal contact, including questions regarding hierarchical positions and work characteristics. Among the total of 170 respondents (72% women, 28% men, 1% diverse), 48% were rheumatologists in training, 35% were trained rheumatologists and 7% were heads of rheumatology departments. Regarding the gender ratio at different hierarchical levels, 74% of respondents reported more men than women in leadership positions. Part-time work was possible in the departments of 86% of respondents, with more women working part-time (56%) compared to men (29%). Most respondents stated their impression that employees working part-time did not have the same career chances as full-time workers in their departments. In total, 66% agreed that activities to improve gender equity are necessary. The highest need was seen in reconciling work and family through, e.g., part-time models, flexible childcare options at work and a higher acceptance of part-time work in leadership positions. According to our results, a gender imbalance is prevalent among rheumatologists in Germany, with lower numbers of women evident at higher hierarchical levels. Traditional role assignments are still represented by a higher proportion of part-time work in women. The establishment of structural changes to achieve better gender equity is needed.

Gender Differences in Academic Performance of Medical Students

Background: The number of female medical students increased steadily over the last decades, outnumbering the male students in some medical schools including ours. Gender differences in academic performance among male and female medical students were addressed in many studies with variable results. The aim of this study is to investigate the difference in grades scored in different medical school subjects in a 6-year curriculum by female students, compared with the scores of fellow male students. Methods: Three cohorts of students, graduated in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 were selected. The total number of students was 1254, 876 females (69.9%) and 378 males (30.1%). The achieved scores (grade-point average or GPA) were recorded for each subject’s final examination. Data was analyzed using PSPP statistical software. Results: T-test for the first examination (anatomy, physiology and biochemistry) showed a slightly higher male mean total score (6.38) versus 5.76 for female, but the difference was not significant (P= 0.12). For the second exam (pathology, pharmacology and microbiology), the mean score of male students was also higher than female students' mean score (5.19 versus 4.65) but the T-test was not significant (p= 0.14). For the third exam (medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology) the mean scores were almost equal (8.31 for females, 8.3 for males) and the T-test was not significant (P=0.98). Female students performed slightly better than males in obstetrics and gynecology and surgery, while male students scored better in medicine and pediatrics. However, these differences were not significant (p= 0.6). Conclusion: The academic performance of medical students shows no significant differences among male and female students. The small differences noted could be explained by many factors influencing the performance of both sexes rather than attributed to gender only.

Women’s contribution to medicine in Bahrain: leadership and workforce

BackgroundWomen make up a significant proportion of workforce in healthcare. However, they remain underrepresented in leadership positions relating to healthcare for a multitude of reasons: balancing personal and work duties, favoritism toward men, lack of support from colleagues and mentors, as well as other factors. This study aims to recognize the contribution made by women in the Bahraini healthcare sector by determining the gender distribution in Bahrain’s medical schools, government hospitals, Ministry of Health, and National Health Regulatory Authority.MethodsData were collected from the Bahraini Ministry of Health, National Health Regulatory Authority, Salmaniya Medical Complex, King Hamad University Hospital, Bahrain Defence Force Royal Medical Services, the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences in the Arabian Gulf University, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain. Only physicians who held a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and a valid license to practice from NHRA were eligible to participate. Descriptive statistics were used to derive the frequencies and percentages of physicians with the following leadership positions: (1) top administrative positions (e.g., Chief executive officer); (2) heads of departments; (3) heads of committees; and (4) academic positions (e.g., Professor). Data were also collected from the two medical schools in Bahrain to see the trend in female enrollment into medical schools since 2004.ResultsThe results of the study indicated that leadership positions were mostly held by males in Bahrain (59.4% vs. 40.6%). However, Bahraini males and females equally dominated academic positions. Male physicians also dominated surgical specialties; however, female Bahraini physicians slightly surpassed male Bahraini physicians at the specialist and consultant levels (female to male: 11.9% vs. 10.4% and 33.2% vs. 30.4%, respectively). Furthermore, more females were reported to have general licenses. A trend analysis since 2004 showed that female medical students’ representation was higher than males over the years.ConclusionsThis study highlights the increasing trend of women’s participation and contribution to medicine in Bahrain. The data indicated continued growth in the number of female medical students and physicians. As such, it is likely that females will have a bigger impact on healthcare in the future with potential to hold more leadership positions in Bahrain.

Gender differences in repeat-year experience, clinical clerkship performance, and related examinations in Japanese medical students.

While the number of female medical students is increasing in Japan, gender differences in medical school performance have not been studied extensively. This study aimed to compare gender differences in repeat-year experience, Clinical Clerkship (CC) performance, and related examinations in Japanese medical students. We retrospectively analyzed the number of repeat-year students and years to graduation for male and female medical students, and assessed gender differences in performance on computer-based testing (CBT) before CC, CC as evaluated by clinical teachers, the CC integrative test, and the graduation examination in 2018-2020 graduates from our medical school. Subgroup analyses excluding repeat-year students were also performed. From 2018 to 2020, 328 medical students graduated from our medical school. There were significantly fewer repeat-year female students compared to male students (P = .010), and the average number of years to graduate was significantly higher for male students than female students (P < .001). Female students showed higher scores and performance in all integrative tests and CC (P < .05, each). In analysis excluding repeat-year students, there were no significant gender difference in performance on the CBT, and CC integrative test, although female students significantly outperformed male students on the CC and graduation examination. Female medical students had a fewer number of repeat-years and performed better in the CC and graduation examination compared to their male counterparts.

Gender Differences in Academic Performance in the subject of Pharmacology: A study conducted in a medical college

Background: The proportion of female students is increasing progressively in medical schools, but concern remains about differing performance in exams. A limited data is available on comparison of academic performance of male and female students from developing countries. Aim: To compare them regarding their academic performance in the subject of pharmacology. Methods: This comparative study was conducted at Pharmacology departments of Sheikh Zayed medical college Rahim yar khan and Quaid-e-Azam medical college Bahawalpur among 3rd yr MBBS students of sessions 2019 and 2020. The overall attendance of students was counted and compared as well as all the pharmacology test results were evaluated and compared on the basis of previous record of fortnightly, end of module, midterm and end term examinations. Results: Girls outnumbered boys (528 girls vs 437 boys) in medical admissions. The girls were having better attendance and test results ( 92% vs 65% for better attendance &amp; 26% vs 19% for better results) in both sessions 2019 and 2020. The results also showed that students from literate background and urban areas got more admission in medical college but more number of boys are boarders compared to girls who prefer to be day scholars due to social circumstances of South Punjab. Conclusion: The female students tend to perform better than boys in pre clinical subjects. The number of female medical students is increasing progressively and they out perform their male counterparts both in attendance and internal assessments. The study is documentation of this fact, for future measures that can be done for improvement of male students performance. Keywords: Gender difference, pharmacology, performance

Self-cosmetic care during the COVID-19 pandemic and its psychological impacts: Facts behind the closed doors.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic has resulted in significant negative psychological impacts in our life. Not doing adequate cosmetic care of skin, hair, and nails might be one of the underexplored but preventable reasons for the same.AimsTo identify the change in cosmetic care habits of female undergraduate medical students during the coronavirus disease pandemic and to identify its psychological impacts on them.MethodsA total of 218 individuals participated in this online study. Data were collected using a preset pro forma as a Google questionnaire to fulfill the objectives. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5 and presented as percentage, mean, SD, median, IQR in tables and graphs.ResultsMean age of the participants was 21.56 ± 1.95 years. Maximum respondents (66.0%) are not taking cosmetic care of skin, hair, and nail during the pandemic as before. More than two‐thirds (68.8%) are feeling bad, 31.2% are neutral, whereas none are feeling good because of this change. Second‐year students and the participants from rural locations are taking least cosmetic care (p < 0.05). However, coronavirus disease infection and major life events in the family did not affect it. Nail care was prioritized by the maximum (64.2%). Of all participants who are not doing cosmetic care as before, a maximum (50.0%) had lost self‐satisfaction followed by increased irritability (43.8%).ConclusionsA huge number of female medical students are not doing cosmetic care of their skin, hair, and nail during the coronavirus disease lockdown; they also perceive significant negative psychological impact because of this change.

Female medical student impression of interventional radiology: what can we do to improve this?

The number of female medical students has increased significantly in the last decade due to increased gender diversity. However, the number of female doctors going into interventional radiology (IR) does not reflect this trend on an international scale. A standardized set of questions was created looking into medical students' demographics, awareness of IR, their general opinion, and whether they would consider IR as a potential career path. One-hundred female medical students from the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Spain, and New Zealand were approached either directly or via an online survey platform. The students ranged from first to final year study of Medicine and were between 18 and 30 years of age. The majority of medical students (68%) were unaware of what IR is and 98% denied having teaching about IR in their university. Influential factors to choosing IR were more exposure to IR in medical school (15%), more options to allow family life (15%), direct training pathway to IR rather than via diagnostic radiology (13%), options of private practice (13%), and understanding more about radiation protection during pregnancy (12%). A lack of awareness about what IR is and misconceptions, particularly regarding radiation exposure during pregnancy, play an important role in discouraging entry into IR. Additionally, some of the concerns raised were directed at IR training pathway. Female IR consultants should also take leadership initiative to act as role models. More lectures and direct clinical exposure are paramount to their understanding of IR.

Future of women orthopaedists: signs of optimism in a 3-year follow-up survey

Background: Gender diversity in medicine can improve physician-patient interactions. Although the number of female medical students has risen to almost 50%, the relative number of female orthopaedic residents remains low. The reason for so few female applicants to orthopaedic programs remains in question. Methods: A web survey was distributed to medical students and interns in Israel in 2015 and again in 2018. The survey included demographic data and a questionnaire. The questionnaire explored reasons for not choosing orthopaedics as a specialty and exposure to musculoskeletal medicine in medical school. Results: A total of 371 responses were received, 143 in 2015 and 228 in 2018. The distribution of gender, marital status, student status, and medical schools were similar. Men were more inclined to choose orthopaedics in both years (P=0.004, P=0.044). The major reason for not choosing orthopaedics was “it’s just not interesting.” However, in 2018, there were a significant number of male responders who wanted a more balanced work-life profession (P=0.047). Conclusions: Women have given many possible reasons for not choosing orthopaedic surgery, such as wanting a better work-life balance, perceptions of physical strength needed, a closed “boy’s club,” not enough exposure, and lack of female role models, yet most of them replied the field is “just not interesting.” The authors suggest in concordance to the literature that having more opportunity for exposure and more female role models would increase gender diversity in orthopaedics. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Women neurosurgeons around the world: a systematic review.

Gender disparities in neurosurgery have persisted even as the number of female medical students in many countries has risen. An understanding of the current gender distribution of neurosurgeons around the world and the possible factors contributing to country-specific gender disparities is an important step in improving gender equity in the field. The authors performed a systematic review of studies pertaining to women in neurosurgery. Papers listed in PubMed in the English language were collected. A modified grounded theory approach was utilized to systematically identify and code factors noted to contribute to gender disparities in neurosurgery. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows. The authors identified 39 studies describing the density of women neurosurgeons in particular regions, 18 of which documented the proportion of practicing female neurosurgeons in a single or in multiple countries. The majority of these studies were published within the last 5 years. Eight factors contributing to gender disparity were identified, including conference representation, the proverbial glass ceiling, lifestyle, mentoring, discrimination, interest, salary, and physical burden. The topic of women in neurosurgery has received considerable global scholarly attention. The worldwide proportion of female neurosurgeons varies by region and country. Mentorship was the most frequently cited factor contributing to noted gender differences, with lifestyle, the glass ceiling, and discrimination also frequently mentioned. Future studies are necessary to assess the influence of country-specific sociopolitical factors that push and pull individuals of all backgrounds to enter this field.

Women in thoracic surgery: Asian perspective.

There is a significant shortage of surgeons in Japan similar to many other countries. There are 40,267 registered surgeons for Japan Surgical Society, among them 23,723 are board certificated, and 7,246 are certified instructors. A total of 3,207 surgeons are members of The Japanese Associations for Chest Surgery, and 245 (7.6%) are female surgeons. Approximately 8,000 medical students graduate annually with medical license. The number of newly registered residents and surgeons has recently been declining overall in the last two decades, however, the percentage of female physicians entering into surgery has been increasing gradually along with increasing number of female medical students entering the medical schools and colleges. With regard to the issue of gender gap, our country is ranked as low as 121 out of 153 countries according to global gender gap report 2020 by World Economic Forum, dropping down from 110 out of 149 countries from previous report in 2018. As the numbers of female colleagues in our workplace increases, we must consider what we can do to build a better working environment for them that is more inclusive and supports their career. In this review, the brief history of surgery and female surgeons is described as well as current situations of female surgeons today in Japan.

Women in academic surgery over the last four decades.

As the number of female medical students and surgical residents increases, the increasing number of female academic surgeons has been disproportionate. The purpose of this brief report is to evaluate the AAMC data from 1969 to 2018 to compare the level of female academic faculty representation for surgical specialties over the past four decades. The number of women as a percentage of the total surgeons per year were recorded for each year from 1969-2018, the most recent year available. Descriptive statistics were performed. Poisson regression examined the percentage of women in each field as the outcome of interest with the year and specialty (using general surgery as a reference) as two predictor variables. Data from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). All full-time academic faculty physicians in the specialties of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), general surgery, ophthalmology, otolaryngology (ENT), plastic surgery, plastic surgery, urology, neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery and cardiothoracic surgery as per AAMC records. The percentage of women in surgery for all specialties evaluated increased from 1969 to 2018 (OR 1.04, p<0.001). Compared with general surgery, the rate of yearly percentage change increased more slowly in neurosurgery (OR 0.84; P = .004), orthopaedic surgery (OR 0.82; P = .002), urology (OR 0.59; P < .001), and cardiothoracic surgery (OR 0.38; P < .001). There was no significant difference in the rate of yearly percentage change for plastic surgery (OR 1.01; P = .840). The rate of yearly percentage change increased more rapidly in OB/GYN (OR 2.86; P < .001), ophthalmology (OR 1.79; P < .001) and ENT (OR 1.70; P < .001). Representation of women in academic surgery is increasing overall but is increasing more slowly in orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery and urology compared with that in general surgery. These data may be used to inform and further the discussion of how mentorship and sponsorship of female students and trainees interested in surgical careers may improve gender equity in the future.

Surgery during pregnancy - results of a German questionnaire.

ObjectivesWorldwide, not only the number of female medical students, but also of female surgeons increases. Simultaneously, younger generations take a closer look to their work-life balance. With this in mind, it seems necessary to evaluate the expectations of female surgeons in particular with respect to pregnancy during their surgical career.MethodsTherefore, a nationwide survey was conducted in Germany from July to December 2016 under the auspices of the German Society of Surgery as well as the Professional Board of German Surgeons. The questionnaire involved 2,294 female surgeons and 1,843 complete records were evaluated.ResultsOf the analyzed answers, 62% of the women (n=781) were operating during pregnancy. The joy of surgery (91.6%), followed by team spirit (57.1%), were the main motivations to perform operations while pregnant. Operative activity decreased from 30.8% in the first 3 months of pregnancy to 21.5% during the last three months. Regarding the possible complaints, e.g., leg edema, back pain, premature labor and vaginal bleeding, there were no significant differences between the women with or without activity in the operating room. Sick leave due to pregnancy (1–10 days) was stated by 40.4% of respondents.ConclusionDespite strong legal regulations for pregnant surgeons, the survey showed that most female surgeons are eager to operate despite their pregnancy. The results also demonstrate no significant differences regarding complications during pregnancy- or pregnant-dependent absence from work. Hospitals and surgical departments are asked to establish proper working conditions for pregnant surgeons and pregnancy should not be an obstacle for a career in surgery.

Closing the Gender Gap

» Orthopaedic surgery reports one of the lowest proportions of female residents among all medical specialties. While the number of female medical students has increased, our field has been particularly slow to respond to the gender gap. » There are several barriers to increased female representation in orthopaedics, including “jock” culture and male dominance, the residency application process, pregnancy and lifestyle concerns, a limited number of mentors and role models, and lack of early exposure to the field. » Organizations such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, The Perry Initiative, Nth Dimensions, and the J. Robert Gladden Society, as well as social media channels, are working to close the gender gap, but there is still more that needs to be done. » By acknowledging and addressing these barriers, both at an individual and institutional level, we can hopefully bring more women into the field. This will ultimately benefit not only ourselves, but our patients as well.

Breaking the Stereotype: Interventions Aimed at Changing Medical Student Misperceptions of Radiology and Increasing the Female Match Rate

Although nearly half of medical students are female there is still a significant discrepancy in the number of women specializing in radiology. In 2013, 26.9% of US diagnostic radiology residents were female, a 1% increase in 20 years from 25.5% in 1990. The purpose of this project is to determine the effectiveness of the interventions implemented at a single medical school at decreasing negative attitudes about radiology held by medical students of all genders and whether those same interventions will increase the number of female medical students matching into radiology. The interventions were implemented between 2012 and 2016 and included incorporation of radiology into preclinical curriculum, electives in radiology for 3rd year students, a "Women in Radiology Panel," and increase in female radiology faculty visibility. First year medical student participants of all genders used a free text box to write their attitudes about radiology, which were categorized into the "six most common attitudes about radiology." Fourth year medical student participants used a free text box to write the reasons why they did not choose radiology as a specialty, and those answers were then placed into the same six categories. We then analyzed the data using Fisher's Exact Test to determine whether there was a decrease in the negative misperceptions after exposure to the interventions. We also then determined whether there was an increase in the number of women matching into radiology using Chi-Square analysis. There was a decrease in the negative misperceptions between 1st and 4th years, with the most notable decrease from 51% of 1st years to 0% of 4th years listing radiologists as being antisocial (p < 0.01). There was also a significant increase in the number of female medical students matching into radiology in the years in which students were exposed to 4 years of intervention when compared to three and fewer (0.76%-4.2%, p = 0.01). Exposure to 4 years of the interventions demonstrated a significant increase in the female match rate into the specialty when compared to female medical students who experienced three or fewer years of intervention. Additionally, it appears that these same interventions decreased the number of students of all genders having some of the common negative misperceptions about the field of radiology.

Pengaruh Jenis Kelamin dalam Variasi Indeks Prestasi Kumulatif Mahasiswa Kedokteran di Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta

Banyaknya mahasiswa perempuan dari laki yang memasuki fakultas kedokteran di Indonesia terutama di FK UPNVJ membuat pentingnya perbedaan gender diidentifikasi dan dieliminasi dari metode evaluasi mahasiswa. Studi ini mengeksplorasi perbedaan Indeks Prestasi Kumulatif dalam 6 semester mahasiswa kedokteran dan juga menunjukkan topik yang dianggap sulit dalam kedokteran. Studi ini juga sebagai studi awal evaluasi jangka panjang dari proses pendidikan kedokteran. Metode: Studi kohort deskriptif ini mengeksplorasi skor IPK mahasiswa kedokteran tahun 2015 yang telah menjalani 6 semester. Data dianalisis untuk distribusi normal dan studi non parametrik digunakan sebagai langkah terakhir untuk menganalisis korelasi antara jenis kelamin dan kinerja mahasiswa kedokteran dalam 6 semester. Hasil. Skor IPK tertinggi di semester pertama (3,2) dan skor IPK terendah di semester enam (laki-laki, perempuan:2,7; 2,9). Setelah semester pertama, skor turun di semester kedua dan naik lagi di semester 3 dan 4. Skor kemudian menurun ke titik terendah di semester 5 dan 6. Penelitian ini juga menunjukkan tidak ada perbedaan jenis kelamin pada variasi IPK dalam enam semester (P 0,113) dan siswa perempuan memiliki skor IPK lebih tinggi dari siswa laki-laki di semua enam semester. Kesimpulan. Tidak ada perbedaan jenis kelamin dalam Indeks Prestasi Kumulatif dalam enam semester mahasiswa kedokteran di Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta dan semester 5 dan 6 adalah semester dengan IPK rendah .

Assessing gender trends in Canadian urology.

The number of female medical students and physicians entering the workforce is increasing. Despite this trend, some surgical specialties are still considered male-dominant. Urology has a significant male predominance in both residency and independent practice. This male predominance could have an impact on the physician work force, mentorship opportunities for females pursuing surgery, and on medical student attraction to urology as a specialty. Research conducted in the U.S. has shown that although fewer females enter the field of urology, acceptance rates between the two genders are similar. This study aims to identify if a trend towards gender-specific acceptance into urology residency exists within Canada. We also seek to identify if gender trends in acceptance to urology differ from other surgical specialties in Canada and assess the current workforce trends in Canadian urological practice. Canadian Residency Matching Services (CARMS) data from the previous 10 years was analyzed. This data was accessed from the CARMS website.1 Logistic regression analyses were used to assess if any significant difference exists between the rates of female and male applicant acceptance into urology. These rates were then compared to the rates of female and male acceptance into surgical residency as a whole and to specific surgical specialties, such as general surgery, orthopedics, and otolaryngology. Within urology applicants, there is no evidence that the success rate over time between males and females differs (p=0.47). Within surgical residency applicants, there is no evidence that the success rate over time differs between male and female applicants (p=0.84). In comparing these two rates, there is also no significant difference between rates of acceptance to urology vs. surgery in general for female applicants (p=0.45). General surgery has a higher growth of females entering into the specialty compared to urology (p=0.026). Conversely, otolaryngology (p=0.123) and orthopedics (p=0.163) did not show a significant difference in the rates of female acceptance as compared to males over time. Our small sample size of 451 applicants over the 10-year time span (122 female, 329 male) could represent a limitation, however, we did ensure to analyze a 10-year sample to attempt to get an accurate representation of any trends. Our data identifies that there is no significant trend toward male acceptance into urology over female applicants. There is no significant difference related to female acceptance specifically into urology or any difference between rates of females accepted into urology as compared to all other surgical subspecialties combined.

Sexual Harassment in Medical Schools: The Challenge of Covert Retaliation as a Barrier to Reporting.

Although Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sexual harassment in educational institutions, was enacted in 1972, sexual harassment continues to be distressingly common in medical training. In addition, many women who experience sexual harassment do not report their experiences to authorities within the medical school.In this article, the authors review the literature on the prevalence of sexual harassment in medical schools since Title IX was enacted and on the cultural and legal changes that have occurred during that period that have affected behaviors. These changes include decreased tolerance for harassing behavior; increased legal responsibility assigned to institutions; and a significant increase in the number of female medical students, residents, and faculty. The authors then discuss persisting barriers to reporting sexual harassment, including fears of reprisals and retaliation, especially covert retaliation. They define covert retaliation as vindictive comments made by a person accused of sexual harassment about his or her accuser in a confidential setting, such as a grant review, award selection, or search committee.The authors conclude by highlighting institutional and organizational approaches to decreasing sexual harassment and overt retaliation, and they propose other approaches to decreasing covert retaliation. These initiatives include encouraging senior faculty members to intervene and file bystander complaints when they witness inappropriate comments or behaviors as well as group reporting when multiple women are harassed by the same person.

Female Doctors in Conflict: How Gendering Processes in German Hospitals Influence Female Physicians’ Careers

In German medicine, there is a gap between the increasing number of female medical students and the backlog of women at different turning points of their career. In hospitals, which can be regarded as ‘gendered organizations’, female doctors are confronted with structural discrimination, which is interpreted as gendering processes. In a qualitative, longitudinal study with twenty female physicians who were interviewed three times over the course of 5 years, discriminatory processes were shown on two levels. First, female physicians were categorized as females, and their gender role rather than their professional role as a physician was emphasized. Second, if they were (expectant) mothers, they became even more stereotyped as a female. This stereotyping occurred by reinforcing the conflict between the role of a mother and the role of a professional. It is shown how the women themselves, organizational peculiarities of hospitals, job conditions, and behaviours of male staff members may all contribute to maintaining vertical gender inequality in medicine.

Study of Smoking among Females Students in Ibn Sina National Medical College

Background: prevention of smoking is a key strategy to improve general health. However, survey data from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia have indicated that a large number of female medical students are addicted to smoking despite the knowledge of its harmful effects. This article comparatively explores the impact of smoking on health among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected as part of a program of qualitative and quantitative research investigating the prevalence of smoking among female medical students. Objectives:to study the prevalence of smoking among females in the college of ibn Sina and it is impact on their health in relation to personal and family character, CAP knowledge attitude and practice, and association of medical condition as chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma. Methods:the study was conducted among female’s students attending college of ibn Sina-Jeddah-Saudi Arabia. An open-ended questionnaire was developed to cover the objectives. Conclusion: this study indicated that across the targeted sites, the descriptions made by female smokers about the harmful impact of smoking on their health were often vague. After assessment of the risk factor and variables that may increase prevalence of smoking among medical students, the prevalence of smoking was only 7.95% and used to practice smoking habit despite the knowledge of its side effects.

Levelling the playing field

Although the overall number of female doctors continues to rise, the number of women choosing careers in medicine has fallen by 15% in the past decade. From a peak of 4792 in 2004, the number of female medical students fell to 4173 in 2013. This represents a decline from 60% to 55% in the proportion of …