‘Status Quo’ on Different Aspects of Gender Distribution in Rheumatology in Germany—Results from a Nationwide Online Survey among Physicians

HIGHLIGHTS: What are the main findings? The presented survey was initiated by the Commission for ‘Gender Equity in Rheumatology’ of the German Society for Rheumatology to assess the ‘status quo’ in gender distribution among rheumatologists in Germany. The results of the survey provide insights into different aspects of gender distribution in German rheumatology: 1. gender distribution at different hierarchical levels, 2. part time work and career consequences, 3. care work, and 4. suggestions for achieving (more) gender balance. Regarding the gender ratio at different hierarchical levels, 74% of respondents reported more men than women in leadership positions. Part-time work was possible in the departments of 86% of respondents, with more women working part-time (56%) compared to men (29%). Most respondents stated their impression that employees working part-time did not have the same career chances as full-time workers in their departments. In total, 66% agreed that activities to improve gender equity are necessary. The highest need was seen in reconciling work and family through, e.g., part-time models, flexible childcare options at work and a higher acceptance of part-time work in leadership positions. What are the implications of the main findings? According to our results, a gender imbalance is prevalent among rheumatologists in Germany, with lower numbers of women evident at higher hierarchical levels. Traditional role assignments are still represented, for example, by a higher proportion of part-time work in women and by the higher amount of care work carried out by women. To close the gender gap in the future, we propose different possible solutions, e.g., childcare at work with employee-friendly opening hours (24/7) and childcare options for special circumstances, as well as higher acceptance of part-time working men and women in higher hierarchical positions. ABSTRACT: Objectives: Despite the increasing number of female medical students and fellows in Europe, women are still under-represented in higher academic careers and positions in medicine. The aim of this survey was to assess the ‘status quo’ on gender distribution among rheumatologists in Germany. Methods: A web-based anonymous survey (21 questions with multiple answers and free text) using QuestionPro(®) was distributed among rheumatologists in Germany via newsletters, social media and personal contact, including questions regarding hierarchical positions and work characteristics. Results: Among the total of 170 respondents (72% women, 28% men, 1% diverse), 48% were rheumatologists in training, 35% were trained rheumatologists and 7% were heads of rheumatology departments. Regarding the gender ratio at different hierarchical levels, 74% of respondents reported more men than women in leadership positions. Part-time work was possible in the departments of 86% of respondents, with more women working part-time (56%) compared to men (29%). Most respondents stated their impression that employees working part-time did not have the same career chances as full-time workers in their departments. In total, 66% agreed that activities to improve gender equity are necessary. The highest need was seen in reconciling work and family through, e.g., part-time models, flexible childcare options at work and a higher acceptance of part-time work in leadership positions. Conclusions: According to our results, a gender imbalance is prevalent among rheumatologists in Germany, with lower numbers of women evident at higher hierarchical levels. Traditional role assignments are still represented by a higher proportion of part-time work in women. The establishment of structural changes to achieve better gender equity is needed.