1. Gender issues from the perspective of health-care professionals in Neuro-oncology: an EANO and EORTC Brain Tumor Group survey
- Author
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Susan C Short, Dieta Brandsma, Karin Piil, Martin J. van den Bent, Linda Dirven, Emilie Le Rhun, Florien W. Boele, Michael Weller, Marilena Theodorou, Simone P Niclou, Roberta Rudà, Protéomique, Réponse Inflammatoire, Spectrométrie de Masse (PRISM) - U 1192 (PRISM), Université de Lille-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)-Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire [Lille] (CHRU Lille), University hospital of Zurich [Zurich], Universität Zürich [Zürich] = University of Zurich (UZH), Service de neurochirurgie générale et stéréotaxique fonctionnelle, Hôpital Roger Salengro [Lille]-Université de Lille, Droit et Santé-Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire [Lille] (CHRU Lille), Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology [U.K.], University of Leeds, Copenhagen University Hospital, City of Health and Science University Hospital [Turin, Italy], University of Cyprus (UCY), Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center [Rotterdam] (Erasmus MC), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Haaglanden Medical Center [La Haye, Pays-Bas] (HMC), University of Zurich, Le Rhun, Emilie, SALZET, Michel, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)-Université de Lille-Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire [Lille] (CHRU Lille), University of Cyprus [Nicosia] (UCY), Universiteit Leiden, Neurology, INSERM, Université de Lille, Protéomique, Réponse Inflammatoire, Spectrométrie de Masse (PRISM) - U 1192 [PRISM], Luxembourg Institute of Health [LIH], University of Copenhagen = Københavns Universitet [UCPH], Università degli studi di Torino = University of Turin [UNITO], University of Cyprus [Nicosia] [UCY], Erasmus University Medical Center [Rotterdam] [Erasmus MC], and Leiden University Medical Center [LUMC]
- Subjects
Gerontology ,leadership ,Inequality ,Neuro oncology ,media_common.quotation_subject ,[SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio] ,education ,Medicine (miscellaneous) ,610 Medicine & health ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,5. Gender equality ,Health care ,Medicine ,030212 general & internal medicine ,equality ,disparities ,women ,oncology ,media_common ,business.industry ,Perspective (graphical) ,Work–life balance ,2701 Medicine (miscellaneous) ,Life balance ,Original Articles ,10040 Clinic for Neurology ,[SDV] Life Sciences [q-bio] ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Workforce ,business - Abstract
Background Women represent an increasing proportion of the overall workforce in medicine but are underrepresented in leadership roles. Methods To explore gender inequalities and challenges in career opportunities, a web-based survey was conducted among the membership of the European Association of Neuro-Oncology and the Brain Tumor Group of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Results A total of 228 colleagues responded to the survey: 129 women (median age 45 years; range, 25-66 years) and 99 men (median age 48 years; range, 24-81 years); 153 participants (67%) were married and 157 participants (69%) had at least 1 child. Women less often declared being married (60% vs 77%, P = .007) or having a child (63% vs 77%, P = .024). Men more frequently had a full-time position (88% vs 75%, P = .036). Women and men both perceived an underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. Half of participants agreed that the most important challenges for women are leading a team and obtaining a faculty position. Fewer women than men would accept such a position (42% vs 56%). The main reasons were limited time for career and an inappropriate work and life balance. Women specifically cited negative discrimination, limited opportunities, and lack of self-confidence. Discrimination of women at work was perceived by 64% of women vs 47% of men (P = .003). Conclusion Women are perceived as experiencing more difficulties in acquiring a leadership position. Personal preferences may account for an underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, but perceived gender inequalities extend beyond disparities of access to leadership.
- Published
- 2020