Drafting Intersections in the Career of Female Medical Doctors

Abstract

The predicted doctors’ shortage in Austria and the increasing feminisation of the medical profession are aspects of a passionate debate on gender inequality in medical careers and particularly on sufficient medical care in Austria. Therefore, this review summarises main findings on gender inequality in medical careers in Austria using an intersectional lens.

The intersections derived from literature elucidate that gender inequality is not predominantly dependent on having a family including children, but that various combinations of these intersections influence women’s careers.

There is a need to further investigate intersections influencing medical careers in women and to relate these to affirmative action measures. Affirmative action measures need quotas and consideration of various areas besides work–family balance. There is a need to evaluate and adapt interventions to promote women in medicine according to the intersections derived from the literature.

Citation

Siller, H. and Hochleitner, M. (2015), "Drafting Intersections in the Career of Female Medical Doctors", Gender, Careers and Inequalities in Medicine and Medical Education: International Perspectives (International Perspectives on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 2), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 99-125. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2051-233320150000002007