Sexism in obstetrics and gynecology: not just a “women's issue”

Women in medicine have made strides towards equality and yet the gender gap continues to exist. Despite being the specialty dedicated to the promotion of women's health, obstetrics and gynecology is also marred by gender disparity. Obstetrician-gynecologists who are women continue to face barriers to advancement to leadership positions and earn $36,000 per year less than men in obstetrics and gynecology according to a recent study. Similarly, men in obstetrics and gynecology may be negatively affected by unconscious bias and socially prescribed roles for men and women, resulting in patient preferences for providers who are women. Both men and women have a vested interest in promoting greater gender parity in obstetrics and gynecology, and participation of men is critical for realization of this goal. For the obstetrician-gynecologist, sexism is not just a “women's issue”.