Women doctors and their careers: what now?

doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7516.569

BMJ 2005;331:569-572 (10 September), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7516.569

Education and debate

Women doctors and their careers: what now?

Isobel Allen, emeritus professor of health and social policy¹

¹ Policy Studies Institute, University of Westminster, London NW1 3SR

Outmoded career structures and attitudes mean that the UK riskslosing out on the valuable contribution women doctors can make,especially in the second half of their careers

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Introduction

Many people in the medical profession still view women doctorswith scepticism despite their increasing numbers. It is nearly20 years since I was commissioned by the Department of Healthto help them assess the implications of the fact that womenwould soon account for half of medical graduates.¹ That researchand its follow-up² found that both men and women experiencedsimilar problems and constraints in their careers, sufferingfrom what they regarded as a rigid and conservative career structure.They overwhelmingly supported the provision of more flexibleworking patterns so that all doctors could lead a normal life.How far have women doctors progressed and what do they feelabout the profession?

Change in culture

In 1986, many trainees had to work 120 hours a week and moveto different locations every few months. Women were asked themost outrageous questions at interviews, the old boy networkand behind the scenes telephone . . . [Full text of this article]

Entry to medical school

Hospital medicine

Women in general practice

Views of women doctors

Adapting to change

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