Printed from: https://archive.cmf.org.uk/news/?id=4
The medical profession’s power and influence is under threat because of the rising number of female doctors, according to the President of the Royal College of Physicians, Professor Carol Black.
In an interview with the Independent, Professor Black stated her belief that female dominated professions are weaker. ‘Years ago, teaching was a male-dominated profession - and look what happened to teaching. I don’t think they feel they are a powerful profession any more. Look at nursing, too,’ she said.
She also cited Russia, where females dominate medicine, as an example: ‘They are paid less and they are almost ignored by government. They have lost influence as a body that had competency, skills and a professional ethic…They have become just another part of the workforce. It is a case of downgrading professionalism.’
Professor Black hopes to correct the gender imbalance, and see equal numbers of male and female doctors. She feels that, although women often achieve equal or better results than men, they often sacrifice their career for family commitments. ‘What worries me is who is going to be the professor of cardiology in the future? Where are we going to find the leaders of British medicine in 20 years time?’ she said. Black is pushing for more child support and flexibility of work to allow female doctors to rise up the ranks of the profession. ‘If you can’t make it possible for women to participate in everything - doing research, attending committees, influencing the Department of Health - the profession will lose its influence,’ she said.
Her comments have sparked criticism from a number of groups. John Bangs of the National Union of Teachers commented, ‘I would by no means agree that teaching views itself as a less powerful profession, and I find that a very concerning view.’
Source: bbc.co.uk 2004; 2 August, Independent 2004; 2 AugustSteven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668
Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225
Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949 and is an interdenominational organisation with over 5,000 doctors, 900medical and nursing students and 300 nurses and midwives as members in all branches of medicine, nursing and midwifery. A registered charity, it is linked to over 100 similar bodies in other countries throughout the world.
CMF exists to unite Christian healthcare professionals to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching.
