Although women comprise 73 percent of medical and health services managers, only 18 percent of hospital CEOs are women, according to a report from Rock Health.
The report coincides with Rock Health's XX in Health, a special week dedicated to the improvement of gender diversity in healthcare. Here are some of the report's other findings:
Women comprise:
47 percent of medical school graduates.
32 percent of physicians and surgeons.
14 percent of partners at healthcare venture capitalists.
4 percent of healthcare company CEOs.
What are the biggest barriers to career advancement?
(This and the following question are based on responses from 100 women in healthcare.)
Self-confidence — 49 percent.
Time constraints — 45 percent.
Ability to connect with senior leadership — 43 percent.
Family obligations — 41 percent.
Education/skills — 16 percent.
Do you have a mentor?
No — 43 percent.
Male mentor — 22 percent.
Female mentor — 22 percent.
Both male and female mentors — 13 percent.
Key quotes
"It wasn't until I was working through the ranks of middle management that I saw how difficult it can be for a woman to advance into senior leadership roles. I think it is a natural tendency to hire, promote and mentor individuals who are most like you, so by virtue of fewer women in senior leadership positions, I think that dynamic contributes to a woman's ability to advance."— Katie Vahle, co-founder and patient advocate of CoPatient.
"'Mentorship' is a bit of a loaded word. How about just building genuine relationships? That's hard too, given I don't drink beer, which is all my co-workers do outside the office." — Anonymous.
"Data shows that women are at the center of healthcare decisions in the family unit and experience the full spectrum of healthcare delivery. As leaders in the healthcare system, women bring firsthand views as customers." — Sue Siegel, partner at Mohr Davidow.
Multi-Generational Leadership: How to Bridge Gaps in Age and Understanding
Shattering Glass Ceilings: Women in the Hospital C-Suite
The report coincides with Rock Health's XX in Health, a special week dedicated to the improvement of gender diversity in healthcare. Here are some of the report's other findings:
Women comprise:
47 percent of medical school graduates.
32 percent of physicians and surgeons.
14 percent of partners at healthcare venture capitalists.
4 percent of healthcare company CEOs.
What are the biggest barriers to career advancement?
(This and the following question are based on responses from 100 women in healthcare.)
Self-confidence — 49 percent.
Time constraints — 45 percent.
Ability to connect with senior leadership — 43 percent.
Family obligations — 41 percent.
Education/skills — 16 percent.
Do you have a mentor?
No — 43 percent.
Male mentor — 22 percent.
Female mentor — 22 percent.
Both male and female mentors — 13 percent.
Key quotes
"It wasn't until I was working through the ranks of middle management that I saw how difficult it can be for a woman to advance into senior leadership roles. I think it is a natural tendency to hire, promote and mentor individuals who are most like you, so by virtue of fewer women in senior leadership positions, I think that dynamic contributes to a woman's ability to advance."— Katie Vahle, co-founder and patient advocate of CoPatient.
"'Mentorship' is a bit of a loaded word. How about just building genuine relationships? That's hard too, given I don't drink beer, which is all my co-workers do outside the office." — Anonymous.
"Data shows that women are at the center of healthcare decisions in the family unit and experience the full spectrum of healthcare delivery. As leaders in the healthcare system, women bring firsthand views as customers." — Sue Siegel, partner at Mohr Davidow.
More Articles on Diversity in Healthcare:
Diversity in the Hospital C-Suite: Walk it Like You Talk itMulti-Generational Leadership: How to Bridge Gaps in Age and Understanding
Shattering Glass Ceilings: Women in the Hospital C-Suite