The role of women in medicine in a patriarchal society

Abstract

The article discusses the role of women in medicine in a patriarchal society, highlighting the historical and current challenges they face. Historically, women have been excluded from the medical profession, limited to secondary roles such as nursing, due to societal biases. While strides have been made and more women are entering medicine, they still face significant inequalities, especially in terms of salaries and access to more prestigious specialties such as surgery and cardiology, which have traditionally been dominated by men. Areas considered "feminine", such as pediatrics and gynecology, are less valued and paid. The article also addresses the impact of personal life on women's careers, highlighting that female doctors, especially mothers, face difficulties in balancing work and family life due to a lack of institutional support. In addition, they have fewer opportunities to reach leadership positions in health institutions. On the other hand, the growing presence of women brings benefits to medicine, including a more collaborative approach to patient care and better results in preventive actions and in vulnerable populations. The article also talks about the need for policies that promote gender equality in medicine, ensuring equal opportunities and combating stereotypes.