Women in Medicine

Getting In, Growing, and Advancing

No wonder so many women are choosing to become physicians. The field of medicine offers abundant opportunities—to take care of individuals; improve public health; advance science; make a good living; and become a leader in the community, in an academic center, and in professional organizations. The demand for women physicians is growing dramatically, as more and more women health care consumers actively and specifically seek them. Chapters cover getting into medical school, overcoming gender stereotypes, finding a mentor, combining parenting with a career, and looking ahead into the career. While women are no longer newcomers to medicine, compared to men they still face extra challenges in the development and valuing of their skills and potential. This book will help women entering medicine to maximize their options and to have the fullest possible lives and careers. Women in Medicine draws on all the best available literature and on the experience of thousands of women physicians. It is a resource for anyone considering a medical career—whether they be in junior high school or in their 40s and contemplating a major life change— but especially women. This book will be useful throughout medical education and during early career development, as it includes tips on, for instance, interviewing for a job. Another helpful feature is that each chapter, except the last, concludes with a "Diagnose Yourself" section, to assist readers in beginning necessary preparations and to offer support. An extensive reference list facilitates follow-ups on areas of special interest