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I read the news piece ‘Advisory group sets out measures to boost
career prospects of women doctors’ (17 October 09) with interest. It is
widely believed that the majority of GPs will be women by 2013 and the
majority of all doctors by 2017. It is therefore crucial that the NHS
starts to prepare for these changes; strong workforce planning will be key
and employers must consider the implications of having an increasingly
female workforce. Consideration to flexible working must be given, as well
as the necessary support in training and career progression. By beginning
to address these issues now the NHS will have a stronger chance of
ensuring that their potential for leadership and progression is realised.
It is important however, for the NHS to also address why there are less
men now entering the profession and what can be done to attract them.
Julie Greenwood, Managing Director of Hays Healthcare
women doctors, poll results
It would be interesting to know the final results of the online poll
performed simultaneously with the publication of this article. Thank you!
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests