Female urologists: a growing population

Abstract

Purpose: Although urology continues to be a male dominated field, the participation and influence of women within the specialty are growing. In the United States as of July 1995, 56 of 1,339 urology residents (4.2%) and 97 of 8,227 board certified urologists (1.2%) were women. The demographics of this group, including age, board certification, fellowship experience and practice patterns, are unknown. Mentorship and motivations leading to urology as a specialty choice for women are also unreported.

Materials and methods: We surveyed 161 female urologists by mail.

Results: Of the women surveyed 80% responded. Female urologists tend to be young and board certified, 39% are fellowship trained and 22% hold full-time academic positions. Women were discouraged from selecting urology as a specialty because of gender. Many women had male (59%) or no (35%) mentors throughout the training years, 70% were married and 44% had children. Of the 25 respondents who had children during residency most (84%) felt supported by the program director and resident peers. Despite obstacles 94% of female urologists would encourage other women to enter urology.

Conclusions: Female urologists are young, well educated and career oriented. Although most did not have mentors during training, there is a high level of job satisfaction and low attrition after training.