For the past 10 years, women have been dominating the health sector workforce. Making up almost 80% of the current healthcare labor force, all working towards the suppression of COVID-19, are women. Considering the increased risk of exposure to the virus, it’s surprising to see these results. At the same time, you may be wondering if we will still be seeing the same numbers in the future? Or does the 10-year streak ends now? Also, what are the challenges they might face that will hinder them towards success in the health sector?
The majority of medical students are women
In the most recent data by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), it shows that most students in medical school in 2019 are women, outnumbering men for the first time. This isn’t surprising since women’senrollment percentage has been rising in recent years.
But what does this indicate? Hoping that this trend continues, we are seeing passionate and dedicated women healthcare professionals in the future, providing people in need of their service. However, it shouldn’t just end there.
Women slowly starting to pave their way through leadership positions
According to Korn Ferry, only 19% of hospitals nationwide are led by women, and only 4% are CEOs of healthcare institutions. While this may sound like a small figure, this is already a milestone considering the numbers from the previous years, which is way below.
It’s a good thing that health organizations are now adapting to different strategies to advance women to leadership roles. One should be motivated by purpose, likes to be challenged, and aims to positively impact the world to be considered a potential candidate for a leadership role. Most of these traits are present with the current women healthcare professionals. Working with them as soon as the early stage of their career will allow everyone to achieve higher ranks in the company.
Challenges women face towards success
Many think that it’s unprofessional for healthcare workers to show emotion when in a medical encounter, not knowing that it’s also taking a toll on their mental health. According to a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), healthcare professionals, specifically physicians, are experiencing intense emotions while seeing their patients’ deteriorating or dying. It’s more than a patient suffering they see. It’s not just another day with a dead body in a cadaver bag that they send to the morgue; it’s another life that was lost right in front of them. And since they’re humans too, emotions can really be uncontrollable, so who are we to judge?
This is just one of the many challenges women encounter towards being their best. Not to mention the care responsibilities they have to provide their families, risks of abuse and violence, and many more.
Being part of the healthcare front line nowadays may be a tough act to pursue given the world’s current situation, but many studies prove thatthere are still those that aspire and are up for the challenge amid the risks. And that’s exactly what the world needs for the success of the future of healthcare.
