History of Women in Medicine:
A Closer Look into the Transformation of the
Female Physician Workforce
By: Hina Rehman
“If society will not admit of
woman's free development,
then society must be
remodeled.”
– Elizabeth Blackwell,
MD
Abstract
The practice of medicine has been a heavily male-dominated field
throughout most of history despite an early acceptance of female
medical education dating back to the ancient times. This movement
quickly faded as more women began to face gender discrimination within
the profession. The late twentieth century, however, marked a renewed
shift in the reform for women’s rights and shaped the advancement in
medical education for females. This paper will examine the
transformation of the female physician workforce over time by closely
reviewing the history of medical training for women, the significant
pioneers in the campaign for gender equality, and the characteristics and
patient expectations that define the female physician in today’s society.
Introduction
Dating back to the earliest of civilizations, women mostly served as
midwives, healers and nurses. However, several historical records
portray early female physicians such as Merit Ptah, Metrodora and
Agnodice. Centuries later, pioneers such as Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell
made significant strides in medical education and clinical training for
women. By 1900, only 5.5% of females were entering medical school
although the number of women’s medical colleges was increasing. The
late 20th century marked the revival of feminism and the passage of Title
IX of the Higher Education Act Amendments, prohibiting educational
institutions from discriminating on the basis of sex. By 1975, the number
of female students matriculating into medical school had nearly
quadrupled from the quarter century prior. In present day, with a steadily
growing female physician population, studies show that the
communication styles and behaviors of female physicians parallel
patients’ expectations of medical care more often than their male
counterparts. However, these innate characteristics are also contributing
factors in the gender disparity that exists among the profession.
[Images from AMN Healthcare]
Thesis Statement
Studies have shown that the communication styles and
behaviors of female physicians parallel patients’ expectations
of medical care more often than their male counterparts;
however, these innate characteristics are also contributing
factors in the gender disparity that exists among the profession.
Discussion
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Women are viewed as more practiced in decoding emotions and
nonverbal cues from an earlier age. They face stronger social
expectations to be empathetic, and spend an average of 2 minutes
longer with each patient.
Women in primary care engage in significantly “more active
partnership behaviors, positive talk, psychosocial counseling,
psychosocial question asking, and emotionally focused talk.” Their
communication skills are correlated with positive health outcomes
by “exerting influence on emotional health, symptom resolution,
functional and physiologic status, and pain control.”
Studies have shown that all physicians, regardless of gender, can
be molded to improve skills in meaningful ways through selfawareness, self-monitoring, and training.
Social and cultural changes in education, work, and family life
influence the gender inequality seen in the professional setting.
Conclusion
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The concept of the “female physician” has been transformed over
the centuries. Women have evolved from secondary roles such as
midwives and nurses and taken on a more powerful role in today’s
medical realm.
The number of female medical students in 2014 continued to
increase, yet still remained less than half the total. Moreover,
females comprised 36% of the physician workforce in 2015,
highlighting the discrepancy between the workforce composition
and national population composition.
Several studies have shown that women complement patient care
through communication styles that are more engaging in
psychosocial issues, patient counseling, emotionally-centered talk
and therapeutic discussion.
Differences still persist in the socioeconomic practice patterns of
male and female physicians and challenges remain in achieving
professional visibility while maintaining a balance between family
and career responsibilities.
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