Pink-collar medicine: Women and the future of medicine

The number of women in medicine is increasing. There is evidence that women practice in different ways than men; are interested in different aspects of medicine; work fewer hours; and receive less pay for equivalent hours than men. Women are also less likely to be represented in the higher echelons of power within academic medicine. Women’s carrers are adversely affected by pregnancy, childcare, family responsibilities, and gender role conflict although there is evidence that this does not need to be the case. This article reviews the current literature on gender differences in medicine and makes recommendations to ensure women have a voice to determine their place in medicine in the future. The positive changes that women bring to medicine are highlighted and the barriers for women in the profession are outlined. She received her medical degree from Glasgow University and her psychiatric training in Edinburgh, Scotland; Kingston, Jamaica; and Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She may be reached at aheru@butler.org.