[Psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy--a female subject?].
OBJECTIVE
In the areas of psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy, the relative proportion of female physicians is above average compared with other medical specialty areas. Is there a gender-specific affinity for the subject even among medical students and if so, how does it affect the students' choice of their subsequent specialty and their further professional career?


METHODS
Gender proportions were studied in a) students of elective courses in psychosomatics and psychotherapy at the University of Goettingen, b) graduate students of German medical faculties between 1993 and 2004 and c) advanced ranks of medical career.


RESULTS
Female preponderance in psychosomatics and psychotherapy is already to be found among students and extends to the rank of specialists. However--as in other medical specialties--women are not adequately represented in managerial positions.


CONCLUSIONS
The relatively high proportion of female physicians might be the result of women's special disposition for the field. While an adequate representation of both sexes among medical psychotherapists is desirable for clinical practice, an increase of female physicians in management and research positions would be expedient in order to direct more attention to gender-specific questions in psychosomatics and psychotherapy.
Sammet
Isa
I
Abteilung Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie (Innere Medizin VI) der Universitätsklinik Tübingen. Isa.Sammet@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Stanske
Beate
B
Rüger
Ulrich
U
D002321:Career Choice; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006280:Health Workforce; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010822:Physicians, Women / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D011611:Psychosomatic Medicine / Q000193:education*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000193:education*; D012744:Sex Ratio; D013038:Specialization; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*