Gender equity in oncology: Progress, challenges, and the path forward in urologic oncology and oncologic specialties

Abstract

Women now comprise over 50% of medical school graduates and over one-third of practicing physicians in the United States. Despite this progress, significant barriers to career advancement and leadership persist, particularly in male-dominated fields like urology and oncology. Women physicians are linked to improved patient outcomes and are critical to addressing the projected physician shortage, which is expected to be exaggerated in oncology specialties. This review highlights progress, challenges, and future directions for gender equity in urology, urologic oncology, and oncology subspecialties. Urology and urologic oncology have seen growth in female representation, whereas radiation oncology remains stagnant, and medical oncology has reached near gender parity among trainees. However, leadership roles across all these fields continue to reflect gender inequities. Key barriers include the gender pay gap, insufficient maternal leave policies, workplace harassment, and lack of mentorship and sponsorship for women physicians. Moving forward, efforts to advance gender equity must include transparent pay structures, supportive maternal leave, and robust antiharassment policies. Promoting women in leadership and fostering mentorship are also essential to retaining and advancing women in these fields. By addressing these issues, the health care community can progress toward gender equity, strengthen the physician workforce, and improve patient outcomes. Institutional and national advocacy is crucial for creating an equitable and effective medical community.

Keywords: gender equity; leadership; pipeline; women; workforce.