Women's Health Research Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health, Overland Park, Kansas, USA.
J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2020 Aug;29(8):1136-1141. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2019.7859. Epub 2019 Nov 7.
To determine the impact of gender-specific conferences or symposia as it relates to medical professional development. An online survey instrument was distributed nationally through social media and shared by respondents. The survey assessed participants' demographics, attendance at gender-specific conferences or symposia, motivations or barriers to attendance, and perceived benefits of attendance. Of 792 respondents, 34% had attended a conference or symposia for women in medicine, whereas 66% had not. Attendees were significantly more likely to hold a leadership position (68% vs. 43%, < 0.0001), an academic faculty position (74% vs. 56%, < 0.0001), and have received a professional accolade within the past year (42% vs. 28%, < 0.0001). Nonattendees were significantly more likely to be the primary caregiver for children or seniors (64% vs. 56%, = 0.042). Respondents indicated that an interest in discussion topics, a sense of community, and growth of professional network were key motivators in attendance. The majority of respondents indicated that attendance improved their self-advocacy, self-image, and leadership skills. Of those who did not attend, 51% were unaware of such conferences or symposia. Those who were aware, but unable to attend, cited lack of time as the major barrier to participation. The results of this study provide preliminary data surrounding gender-specific conferences or symposia for women in medicine and highlight opportunities for increased engagement. While not causative, attendees share attributes of professional success and report personal and professional benefits. Lack of awareness and access to child/family care are likely major barriers to participation, which can be addressed through strategic initiatives.
为了确定与医学专业发展相关的性别特定会议或研讨会的影响。通过社交媒体在全国范围内分发了在线调查工具,并由受访者共享。该调查评估了参与者的人口统计学特征、参加性别特定会议或研讨会的情况、参加的动机或障碍以及参加的预期收益。在 792 名受访者中,34%的人参加过女性医学会议或研讨会,而 66%的人没有参加过。与会者更有可能担任领导职务(68%对 43%,<0.0001)、学术教师职位(74%对 56%,<0.0001),并且在过去一年中获得过专业荣誉(42%对 28%,<0.0001)。未参加者更有可能是儿童或老年人的主要照顾者(64%对 56%,=0.042)。受访者表示,对讨论主题的兴趣、社区意识和专业网络的发展是参加的主要动机。大多数受访者表示,参加会议提高了他们的自我倡导、自我形象和领导能力。那些没有参加的人中有 51%不知道有这样的会议或研讨会。那些知道但无法参加的人表示,缺乏时间是参加的主要障碍。这项研究的结果提供了有关女性医学性别特定会议或研讨会的初步数据,并强调了增加参与度的机会。虽然不是因果关系,但与会者具有专业成功的特征,并报告了个人和专业上的好处。缺乏意识和获得儿童/家庭护理的机会可能是参与的主要障碍,可以通过战略举措来解决。