Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber, an instructor of medicine in the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, along with Shelley Nuss, dean of UGA’s School of Medicine, conversed with Medscape regarding the evolving demographics in medical institutions nationwide.

For the sixth consecutive year, a higher number of women than men are enrolling in medical school. Back in the 1980s, as noted by Rohr-Kirchgraber, women constituted roughly 30% of medical school participants. When she herself inquired about medical school, her advisor expressed that pursuing a medical career would hinder her ability to become a mother.

“There was this presumption that you couldn’t manage both or that you would have to make a choice,” Rohr-Kirchgraber remarked. “I believe that likely deterred many women from pursuing medical school.”

Currently, societal views and numerous stereotypes have shifted. One factor contributing to this change is the rise in the number of women earning undergraduate degrees, resulting in a broader pool of women graduates, Rohr-Kirchgraber stated.

Traditionally, cultural expectations prioritized women remaining at home to care for children while men were the breadwinners, Nuss noted. Nowadays, there is greater acceptance of women in the workplace and a shared responsibility for childcare among parents.

The visibility of female physician role models and senior female leaders has also played a significant role in this demographic shift, according to Rohr-Kirchgraber. Organizations like the American Medical Women’s Association have aided in paving the path and supporting young women in the profession.

“Women now can realize, ‘Oh, you can be a physician and have a family. You can be a woman and a neurosurgeon.’ It’s not as astonishing as it once was,” she remarked.

Even though more women are entering the medical sector, considerable equity gaps still exist.

“When examining gender inequality in compensation, in every medical specialty save for anesthesia, women earn less,” Rohr-Kirchgraber stated.

Although there is still progress to be achieved, Nuss is hopeful that an increase in women taking on academic leadership positions is imminent.

“We are just beginning to witness more women in medicine ascending the ranks,” she noted. “It will take some time to reach our target, which is achieving a better balance of leadership at the highest levels of medical schools. I believe you will observe more associate deans, more department heads and chairs, and additional deans over time.”

The article Dean, professor discuss shifting cultural norms in medical school originally appeared on UGA Today.