Women In Medicine
The Traditional Role of Women in Medicine
Unlike many professions, healthcare is one that has been traditionally dominated by women, as caring for the sick is often considered a nurturing role and one that fits well into the traditional female sphere. Women have an especially rich history in the nursing profession, and have served informally as "doctors" since ancient times. In many ancient tribal societies the role of nurse or caregiver was relegated to women and this has continued on to modern times. Societies have traditionally viewed women as nurturing and thus more capable of caring for the sick. In fact they have dominated the field so much that men are under-represented in many allied health science careers.
Unlike many professions, healthcare is one that has been traditionally dominated by women, as caring for the sick is often considered a nurturing role and one that fits well into the traditional female sphere. Women have an especially rich history in the nursing profession, and have served informally as "doctors" since ancient times. In many ancient tribal societies the role of nurse or caregiver was relegated to women and this has continued on to modern times. Societies have traditionally viewed women as nurturing and thus more capable of caring for the sick. In fact they have dominated the field so much that men are under-represented in many allied health science careers.
left: circa 1908 first navy nurses of the navy nurse corps
middle: 1st female medical school class Harvard Medschool circa 1949
right:Dr. James Barry, war hero and medical pioneer of the 1800’s was actually a woman who lived as a man so that she could become a doctor before women were granted equal access to medical education in England
Times of Change
Although women have long had widespread access to allied healthcare professions historically, and still dominate many of them today, this has not always been the case with women seeking to become primary care professionals. Women were not always granted equal access to proper medical education and training. It was not until Title IX came into action that women began to overcome this disadvantage. Since the 1970’s the percentage of females being accepted into Medical programs and graduating has continued to increase. Women have worked hard and have come far in the medical profession, but it is clearly not yet without gender inequality.
Although women have long had widespread access to allied healthcare professions historically, and still dominate many of them today, this has not always been the case with women seeking to become primary care professionals. Women were not always granted equal access to proper medical education and training. It was not until Title IX came into action that women began to overcome this disadvantage. Since the 1970’s the percentage of females being accepted into Medical programs and graduating has continued to increase. Women have worked hard and have come far in the medical profession, but it is clearly not yet without gender inequality.
The Glass Ceiling
Although women have seen much growth in the healthcare industry, even now the medical profession is not without a glass ceiling. Women still find it more difficult to participate in medicine in leadership roles than men do. Though women make up a majority of the healthcare industry's employees and are employed in all fields of medicine, they are still limited. Women are heavily represented as nurses, caregivers, and aides but they are not always well represented in top paying positions. In general, men are still paid more than women in most specialties, and women are still significantly under-represented at the board and executive levels of hospitals.
Although women have seen much growth in the healthcare industry, even now the medical profession is not without a glass ceiling. Women still find it more difficult to participate in medicine in leadership roles than men do. Though women make up a majority of the healthcare industry's employees and are employed in all fields of medicine, they are still limited. Women are heavily represented as nurses, caregivers, and aides but they are not always well represented in top paying positions. In general, men are still paid more than women in most specialties, and women are still significantly under-represented at the board and executive levels of hospitals.