Feminisation of Medicine

How will the feminisation of medicine impact women's health

As we approach the 'International Day of Action for Women's Health', it is time to reflect on the health issues women are facing today and the phenomenon of the feminization of the medical profession. What actions can be taken to address these issues and how can more women in the medical field help?

Women's Health

What are the medical issues women are facing today? Women face risks of mortality from cervix and breast cancer, especially women in Africa who are at a higher risk of dying from these conditions. This is due to limited access to care fuelled by a lack of enthusiasm in seeking medical screening, lack of specific health information, already held beliefs, and a lack of screening facilities [6].

Statistically, women make up a large number of domestic violence victims. They are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues such as stress disorder, depression, and dependency on psychotropic substances [10]. How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected women’s health? Covid-19 had a significant impact on women's mental health, as there was drastically high reporting of gender-based violence and body image issues (dysmorphia) [11] Studies published by Lancet show an increase in stillbirth, and maternal depression as well as maternal deaths. Lower-income countries faced less access to family planning resources, leading to 7 million unintended pregnancies during the pandemic [4].

Women in Medicine

Women have moved from the sideline of medicine to the forefront, with trends showing an increase in female health practitioners and predictions of reaching or surpassing their male counterparts [1]. This is the feminization of the medical profession, which is projected to reach 60-70 % of the medical workforce in 10 years [2]. This is a welcome change as women tend to offer a more humanistic, honest, and empathetic care than men in medicine [2].

The increase in female doctors is mainly found in younger age groups[3], contributory factors being that two women enter medical school for every male due to both their academic achievement and a higher scoring on empathy and relational attitude [7].

Even though women make up a large number of the medical workforce they are still underrepresented in leadership roles [5]. Their work pattern differs from their male counterparts as women doctors are likely to work fewer hours and see fewer patients in pursuit of a work-life balance [3]. Some studies show improved clinical outcomes from female doctors as they are more likely to spend more time with patients which improves clinical care and overall patient well-being. Concerning the quality of care, women doctors tend to follow the clinical guidelines, refer more cases, conduct preventative care, and are more likely to offer psychiatric counseling [8].

So how do women in medicine impact women's healthcare? Women are more likely to research issues prominent among women [5]. This is likely to increase research on issues that affect women as many standards of care on diagnostics, drugs, and treatment have been designed around male physiology. Improving access to healthcare for women requires advocacy for equal rights, equality of opportunity, an end to gender-based violence, and the promotion of sexual and reproductive health services. [9].

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Reference:

• Phillips SP, Austin EB. The Feminization of Medicine and Population Health. JAMA. 2009;301(8):863–864. doi:10.1001/jama.2009.155

• Borracci, Raul & Salazar, Adriana & Arribalzaga, Eduardo. (2018). The future impact of the feminization of medicine in Argentina. 21. 113-118.

• Constant A, Léger PT. Estimating differences between male and female physician service provision using panel data. Health Econ. 2008;17(11):1295–315.

• Ghouaibi, A., 2022. COVID-19's impact on women’s health and rights. [online] World Economic Forum. Available at: <https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/09/lessons-must-be-learned-from-covid-19-s-impact-on-women-s-health-and-rights/> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

• Carnes, M., Morrissey, C., & Geller, S. (2008). Women’s health and women’s leadership in academic medicine: Hitting the same glass ceiling? Journal of Women’s Health, 17 (9), 1453–1462.

• Ajayi MP, Amoo EO, Olawande TI, Iruonagbe TC, Idowu AE, Adekeye OA. Awareness of Breast and Cervical Cancer among Women in the Informal Sector in Nigeria. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2019;7(14):2371-2376. Published 2019 Jul 13. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2019.259

• Lumsden MA, Bore M, Millar K, et al. Assessment of personal qualities in relation to admission to medical school. Med Educ. 2005;39(3):258–265. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]

• Joseph MM, Ahasic AM, Clark J, the Templeton K. State of Women in Medicine: History, Challenges, and the Benefits of a Diverse Workforce. Pediatrics. 2021 Sep;148(Suppl 2):e2021051440C. doi: 10.1542/peds.2021-051440C. PMID: 34470878

• Gender mainstreaming for health managers: a practical approach. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2011 (http://www.who.int/gender-equity-rights/knowledge/health_managers_guide/en/)

• Avdibegović E, Sinanović O. Consequences of domestic violence on women's mental health in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croat Med J. 2006 Oct;47(5):730-41. PMID: 17042065; PMCID: PMC2080462.

• Ramphul K. (2022). "Zoom Dysmorphia": the rise of a new issue amidst the pandemic. Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, 92(6), e2021348. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v92i6.12523

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