Is registrarship a different experience for women?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Gender Studies in Medicine
• Paediatric Training

Background:

• Paediatrics registrar training programs are critical for developing future specialists.
• Understanding gender-based differences in training experiences is essential for equitable medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate subjective perceptions and experiences of male versus female paediatric registrars.
• To identify potential gender disparities within a paediatric registrar training program.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted.
• Participants included thirty-nine paediatric registrars from university-affiliated teaching hospitals.

Main Results:

• While examination success rates and work hours were similar, male registrars were more likely to moonlight.
• A significant proportion of female registrars felt disadvantaged, discriminated against, and experienced sexual harassment.
• Many female registrars planned career breaks for child-bearing, and criticized discriminatory institutional practices.

Conclusions:

• Female paediatric registrars perceive significant gender-based disadvantages and discrimination.
• There is a need for flexible, supportive training programs that accommodate the needs of female registrars.
• Addressing these disparities is vital for promoting gender equity in academic medicine.