Rising Tides: Challenges and Opportunities for Women in the Urologic Workforce

The number of practicing female urologists has increased from < 2% in 1980 to 9.2% in 2018. Despite this increase, urology trails far behind medical fields overall and surgical subspecialties, in achieving gender parity. Barriers, such as pervasive biases and institutional policies, exist at the medical student, resident, and practicing urologist levels. Once recognized as detrimental, action can be taken to combat these forces to allow for advancement of women in the field of urology. This will result in a richer workforce better able to serve its patient population and advance the field.