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. 2023 Jun 27;12(13):4328.
doi: 10.3390/jcm12134328.

'Status Quo' on Different Aspects of Gender Distribution in Rheumatology in Germany-Results from a Nationwide Online Survey among Physicians

Sarah Ohrndorf  1 , Martin Krusche  2 , Xenofon Baraliakos  3 , Eugen Feist  4 , Barbara Gundelach  5 , Isabell Haase  6 , Bimba Franziska Hoyer  7 , Uta Kiltz  3 , Michaela Koehm  8   9 , Anna Julia Voormann  5   10 , Philipp Sewerin  3   6 , Johanna Mucke  6 ; Commission for ‘Gender Equity in Rheumatology’ from the German Society for Rheumatology
Affiliations

'Status Quo' on Different Aspects of Gender Distribution in Rheumatology in Germany-Results from a Nationwide Online Survey among Physicians

Sarah Ohrndorf et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Objectives: Despite the increasing number of female medical students and fellows in Europe, women are still under-represented in higher academic careers and positions in medicine. The aim of this survey was to assess the 'status quo' on gender distribution among rheumatologists in Germany.

Methods: A web-based anonymous survey (21 questions with multiple answers and free text) using QuestionPro® was distributed among rheumatologists in Germany via newsletters, social media and personal contact, including questions regarding hierarchical positions and work characteristics.

Results: Among the total of 170 respondents (72% women, 28% men, 1% diverse), 48% were rheumatologists in training, 35% were trained rheumatologists and 7% were heads of rheumatology departments. Regarding the gender ratio at different hierarchical levels, 74% of respondents reported more men than women in leadership positions. Part-time work was possible in the departments of 86% of respondents, with more women working part-time (56%) compared to men (29%). Most respondents stated their impression that employees working part-time did not have the same career chances as full-time workers in their departments. In total, 66% agreed that activities to improve gender equity are necessary. The highest need was seen in reconciling work and family through, e.g., part-time models, flexible childcare options at work and a higher acceptance of part-time work in leadership positions.

Conclusions: According to our results, a gender imbalance is prevalent among rheumatologists in Germany, with lower numbers of women evident at higher hierarchical levels. Traditional role assignments are still represented by a higher proportion of part-time work in women. The establishment of structural changes to achieve better gender equity is needed.

Keywords: gender distribution; gender equity; rheumatology.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Gender ratio at different hierarchical levels.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Opportunities for advancement in part-time vs. full-time employees: “Do employees working part time have similar opportunities for advancements as employees working full time?”.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Perceived prioritization of men and women empolyees according to men and women respondents in percent. “In your rheumatology workplace, do you experience that men or women are preferred over the other gender despite equal performance in terms of ...”.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Share of care work by gender in % of total care and family work: “What share of the total care and family work do you perform?”
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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