Why are most doctors men?

[Lodestar]

Originally Posted by markg91359

/Culture has and still does much to shape the way we act.

And I think, in spite of efforts to persuade to the contrary by the third wave of feminism, biology.

[stan4]

Originally Posted by ToddSteel

Usually somebody starts studying to be a doctor around the age of 18 in college when they start premed and then medical school and will get an MD sometime in their mid 20s so I see no reason why women aren't just as capable as pursuing such a career as men. As for families, men have to play a role too and in this day and age usually both mom and dad are working full time.

No. You will be 30 minimum before all intense training is done.
It could be even 33-35.

[usayit]

Almost all pediatricians that we interviewed in the area for our children are women.

I think as women find equal footing in modern society the ratio between men and women doctors will balance out... if they already haven't. It just takes time to balance out after decades of women's roles in society not being compatible with career oriented lifestyles much less one that pursues such a difficult path as medical.

[BugsyPal]

Originally Posted by usayit

Almost all pediatricians that we interviewed in the area for our children are women.

I think as women find equal footing in modern society the ratio between men and women doctors will balance out... if they already haven't. It just takes time to balance out after decades of women's roles in society not being compatible with career oriented lifestyles much less one that pursues such a difficult path as medical.

As one stated Peds, OB/Gyn and a few other practices are becoming dominated by women. IIRC in 2010 nearly 75% of pediatric residency applications were from females.

There are many reasons for this but chief among them is male doctors worried about liability/malpractice issues and that they can make more money in other areas.

[mrincrediblely]

Well in med school the gender ratio seems close to 1:1. So perhaps in the future this will not be the case.

[AnonChick]

Originally Posted by ToddSteel

I know this is changing but why are most doctors men? Especially in the old days it was almost entirely men who were doctors but even to day you will find far more many men doctors than women doctors. Why is that?

I always assumed it was because more men than women applied for medical school. Sort of like why there are more female nurses than male nurses - more females apply for it than males.

Also why there are more female cashiers in Target than males. And more male dairy farm owners than females.

But yes it does depend on the specific field. Pediatrics, OB/GYN, probably more females. I'd have to take a guess that you won't find too many female doctors who specialize in prostate disorders.