Dr. Jain on Results of Gender Disparities Study in Oncology

Shikha Jain, MD, hematologist/oncologist, Rush University Medical Center, discusses results of a study that explored the disparities between male and female professionals at medical conferences.

According to data pulled from the 2017 and 2018 ASCO Annual Meetings, female speakers were less likely to receive a professional introduction compared with male speakers (61% versus 81%). Many females were introduced by their first name only compared with male speakers (17% vs 3%). Specifically, male introducers were more likely to address female speakers by their first name compared with female introducers (24% vs 7%).

Not receiving a professional introduction contributes to the unconscious bias of attendees because it makes the person appear less qualified than their colleagues, Jain explains. This research is important, she says, because when more women are seen in leadership positions, it improves the role of females in healthcare.