2023 Volume 65 Issue 3 Pages 288-302
The proportion of female doctors among the members of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) is increasing every year. Female endoscopists require a variety of supports to advance their careers while giving birth and raising their children.
A questionnaire survey among female endoscopists was conducted in order to clarify what kind of support is needed. Responses were received from 1,494 individuals, accounting for 28% of all female members of the JGES, and the answers were analyzed.
The most common obstacles to career development were “giving birth and child-rearing” and “oneʼs physical condition and stamina.” In terms of career support, the most common answers were “introduction of a team system instead of a solo attending physician system,” “securing substitute staff for emergencies,” and “improvement in childcare when her child is sick.”
As for initiatives that should be undertaken by the JGES, respondents indicated that it would be beneficial to hold educational lectures and conferences online, as well as increase the number of career support training facilities and provide information about such facilities.
To provide high-quality endoscopic examination and treatment for patients in the future, career support for female endoscopists is an essential task, and the entire JGES must work on this as a project toward ensuring a gender-equal society.
