Women executives in Canadian hospitals

Despite a high percentage of female graduates from health services administration (HSA) programs since the late 1970s, there is little evidence that the increase has translated into greater employment for women in the top positions in Canadian hospitals. Results of an analysis of data from a 1987 study of chief executive officers (CEOs) in Canadian hospitals are reported relative to difference by gender. These data show that women CEOs are better educated, more experienced, older and likely to be more mobile than their male counterparts. Several suggestions to increase the acceptance of women into top health administrative positions in hospitals are offered.