title: Reasons and remedies for under-representation of women in medical leadership roles: a qualitative study from Australia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To elicit medical leaders' views on reasons and remedies for the under-representation of women in medical leadership roles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study using semistructured interviews with medical practitioners who work in medical leadership roles. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Public hospitals, private healthcare providers, professional colleges and associations and government organisations in Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  30 medical practitioners who hold formal medical leadership roles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Despite dramatic increases in the entry of women into medicine in Australia, there remains a gross under-representation of women in formal, high-level medical leadership positions. The male-dominated nature of medical leadership in Australia was widely recognised by interviewees. A small number of interviewees viewed gender disparities in leadership roles as a 'natural' result of women's childrearing responsibilities. However, most interviewees believed that preventable gender-related barriers were impeding women's ability to achieve and thrive in medical leadership roles. Interviewees identified a range of potential barriers across three broad domains-perceptions of capability, capacity and credibility. As a counter to these, interviewees pointed to a range of benefits of women adopting these roles, and proposed a range of interventions that would support more women entering formal medical leadership roles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While women make up more than half of medical graduates in Australia today, significant barriers restrict their entry into formal medical leadership roles. These constraints have internalised, interpersonal and structural elements that can be addressed through a range of strategies for advancing the role of women in medical leadership. These findings have implications for individual medical practitioners and health services, as well as professional colleges and associations.
authors.affiliation: University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bismark
authors.affiliation: University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.affiliation: University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Erwin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Loh
authors.affiliation: Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Grant
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Phelps
authors.affiliation: University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dickinson
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D063507:Sexism; D014930:Women
keywords: MEDICAL EDUCATION & TRAINING