Gender, qualifications and choice of specialty of younger physicians in Denmark 1998 2003

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to describe differences in specialty choices and qualifications between male and female physicians at the start of their residency in Denmark 1998-2003. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data consist of all applications for residency in the period 1998-2003 in 21 medical specialties. 1,920 physicians in residency are included in the study. Their gender is compared with specialty choices, age and points achieved on supplementary criteria. RESULTS: Over 80% of the residents in child and youth psychiatry and gynaecology/obstetrics were women. 87% of the residents in orthopaedic surgery were men. No gender differences were found in biological age and candidate age at the start of residency. Women achieved higher points for clinical qualification and theoretical courses, while the male residents achieved the highest points for scientific and pedagogical qualification. Within the individual medical specialties there were no gender differences. CONCLUSION: Gender does not have independent influence on achieved residency, but the study shows that there are gender differences in specialty choice and in the way men and women qualify for residency. The clear differences between men and woman across medical specialties are not matched by similar differences within each specialty. Gender differences thus seem determined by differences in specialty choice. The study results can help create the basis for the future medical residency and can guide the considerations of specialty societies, young physicians and other interested parties with regard to recruitment and specialty profile.