International Women's Day: Empowering Tips For Aspiring Female Doctors

On March 8, the global community will once again celebrate International Women's Day, a day dedicated to honouring the significant contributions and achievements of women across various sectors. On this occasion, Dr. Sasha Lake, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, St. George's University, School of Medicine in the Caribbean, provides mentoring tips to aspiring female doctors looking for a successful career in the field.

Dr. Lake starts with saying: "Traditionally, women were often confined to subordinate roles, notably within the medical field. However, the landscape has shifted considerably, with more women entering and excelling in medicine, not only as practitioners but also as leaders within healthcare and academia. Despite this progress, women continue to face hurdles in climbing the leadership ladder in medicine."

She adds: "One of the primary obstacles is the persistent stereotype that women are not as effective in leadership roles, which could hinder their chances of being considered for such positions. Additionally, when women do attain leadership roles, they often face scrutiny and are judged by a different set of standards compared to their male counterparts. This discrepancy is rooted in longstanding biases and stereotypes about what leadership should look like, effectively placing capable women at a disadvantage."

Another challenge, according to Dr. Lake, is the lack of mentorship opportunities that are crucial for professional growth and leadership development. Mentorship is key to navigating the complexities of a medical career, yet women often find it difficult to find mentors who can help them expand their leadership skills and prepare for leadership roles. "This gap in support can negatively impact their career progression and personal development."

Meanwhile, she sees a positive traction with regards to careers in MENA region. She goes on to say: "In response to these challenges, countries across the Middle Eastern Northern Africa (MENA) region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, have initiated significant efforts to promote female empowerment, diversity, and equality in the workplace. The UAE's Gender Balance Council, established in 2015, aims to enhance gender equity and empower women. Similarly, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 seeks to increase women's participation in the workforce and leadership positions, while Egypt's National Strategy for Women's Empowerment 2030 focuses on boosting female representation in decision-making roles."

Aspiring to become a doctor is both a challenging and rewarding journey. Here are five essential tips by Dr. Lake for female medical students to prepare for medical school and future leadership roles:

Have Confidence: Believing in oneself is crucial. Women should trust in their passion for medicine and their ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

Keep Your Passion Alive: Maintaining a passion for medicine is key. Engaging in volunteer activities at hospitals or community clubs can foster a sense of altruism and humility necessary for a medical career.

Have a Game Plan: Aspiring medical students need a structured plan that includes academic goals, extracurricular activities, and relevant experience. Seeking advice from academic advisors or mentor doctors is vital in achieving these goals.

Challenge Yourself: Developing leadership skills is essential. Taking on leadership roles in school clubs, community organizations, or research projects can prepare students for future leadership positions in healthcare.

Seek Out Medical Opportunities: Gaining exposure to the medical field through volunteering, internships, or shadowing doctors offers valuable insights into the profession and confirms one's passion for medicine.