[Psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy--a female subject?]

(Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie - ein weibliches Fachgebiet?)

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
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.

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Author information

Author/s: Sammet, Isa (I); Stanske, Beate (B); Rüger, Ulrich (U);

Affiliation: Abteilung Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie (Innere Medizin VI) der Universitätsklinik Tübingen. Isa.Sammet(-atsign-)med.uni-tuebingen.de

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; English Abstract; Journal Article

Journal: Zeitschrift für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie (Z Psychosom Med Psychother), published in Germany. (Language: ger)

Reference: 2007-; vol 53 (issue 1) : pp 53-61

Dates: Created 2007/02/21; Completed 2007/05/30;

PMID: 17311731, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Career Choice
Female
Germany
Humans
Male
Physicians, Women - supply & distribution

Physicians, Women - supply & distribution
Psychosomatic Medicine - education; manpower
Psychotherapy - education; manpower
Sex Ratio
Specialties, Medical - manpower
Students, Medical - statistics & numerical data

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