Thread by @medicsupport

A Thread
Exactly 20 years since I delivered the @medicalwomenuk Presidential Address. How time flies.
Thought I would recap what I talked about 2 decades ago #MedWomen
I chose the theme of Barriers Faced by Women Doctors in their Careers
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1. Having a medical career of your choice. Highlighted the specialty variation of number of female trainees and few role models at consultant level especially in surgery, T+O, cardiology
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2. Promotion opportunities. Female trainees less likely to move from SHO➡️Reg➡️Sen Reg➡️consultant/GP grades.
Happens in all specialties. Even worse for IMG.
Too few women in leadership roles at local, regional and national level
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3. Discrimination in conditions of Service. Female consultants earn less than male colleagues (now called the gender pay gap). Too few women with higher awards. Pension inequalities for all woman doctors employed in NHS prior to 1988
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4. Inequalities of career progression. Impact of maternity leave, part time work and carers responsibilities at all stages of a career. Too few places for part time training. Variation in exam pass rates
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5. Stress and internal role conflict. Experience of constant remarks related to gender and family life (now called microaggressions). Unwanted physical contact. Conflict of doctor v mother roles. Behaviours and language judged differently e.g Careful man, overcautious woman
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On reflection, much has improved since 2003 but there is always more work to do. Support female colleagues, lift as you climb, be an ally.
Thanks for reading
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And I loved my year as MWF President, met so many interesting people, working with other organisations, policy/negotiations at national level. Input to 2003 Consultant contract, new arrangements for flexible training, gender monitoring as standard #Learning TY @medicalwomenuk