Besserer Angela, Jost Tina, Wittig Andrea, Schmidt Livia, Deloch Lisa, Caglayan Lara, Flechl Birgit, Fraller Astrid, Hörner-Rieber Juliane, Petersen Cordula, Trommer Maike
Department of Radiation Oncology, Ernst von Bergmann Hospital Potsdam, Charlottenstr. 72, 14467, Potsdam, Germany.
Translational Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
Strahlenther Onkol. 2025 Apr 8. doi: 10.1007/s00066-025-02398-9.
Despite some progress, gender inequalities remain prevalent in many medical fields, including radiation oncology (RO). This study investigates gender parity in RO in Germany, with a particular focus on the distribution of professional positions and academic qualifications.
Using data from the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO), we analyzed gender representation in various roles including resident physicians, specialists, senior physicians, leading positions, and heads of university departments. Additionally, academic achievements such as doctoral degrees and professorships were examined. Temporal trends were assessed by comparing data from 2006, while interdisciplinary comparisons were made using current data from other medical specialties.
An increase in the proportion of female members was found, rising by a factor of 1.85 (2006: 570 vs. 2024: 1055). However, significant gender disparities persist, particularly at higher professional levels. Leadership positions remain male dominated, with women holding only 18.9% of full professorships in 2024. In 2006, just 1 in 9 university chair positions and 1 in 40 professorships were occupied by women. These figures had improved by 2024, with women holding 1 in 5 university chair positions and professorships.
Despite progress in representation, significant gender disparities remain in leadership and academic positions within RO. Structural barriers continue to impede women's career advancement. This study identifies these obstacles and advocates for targeted initiatives to foster gender equity, including mentorship programs and family-friendly policies. The ultimate goal is to establish an equitable and appealing professional environment for future generations in RO.
尽管取得了一些进展，但性别不平等在包括放射肿瘤学（RO）在内的许多医学领域仍然普遍存在。本研究调查了德国放射肿瘤学领域的性别平等情况，特别关注专业职位和学术资格的分布。
利用德国放射肿瘤学会（DEGRO）的数据，我们分析了不同角色中的性别代表性，包括住院医师、专科医生、高级医生、领导职位以及大学系主任。此外，还考察了博士学位和教授职位等学术成就。通过比较2006年的数据评估时间趋势，同时使用其他医学专科的当前数据进行跨学科比较。
发现女性成员比例有所增加，增长了1.85倍（2006年：570人 vs. 2024年：1055人）。然而，显著的性别差异仍然存在，特别是在较高专业级别。领导职位仍然由男性主导，2024年女性仅占正教授职位的18.9%。2006年，大学主席职位中每9个才有1个由女性担任，教授职位中每40个才有1个由女性担任。到2024年这些数字有所改善，女性在大学主席职位和教授职位中占五分之一。
尽管在代表性方面取得了进展，但放射肿瘤学领域在领导和学术职位上仍存在显著的性别差异。结构性障碍继续阻碍女性职业发展。本研究识别了这些障碍，并倡导采取有针对性的举措促进性别平等，包括指导计划和家庭友好政策。最终目标是为放射肿瘤学领域的后代建立一个公平且有吸引力的职业环境。
