Women at the Crossroads: The Urgent Need for Support in Emergency Medicine

Women at the Crossroads: The Urgent Need for Support in Emergency Medicine

Women are increasingly withdrawing from emergency medicine due to inadequate support mechanisms in the workplace, according to Praneel Shankar, Aspen Medical’s Assistant Director of Nursing. Highlighting this concerning trend at the Pacific Island Society for Emergency Care’s inaugural meeting, Shankar shared the poignant story of a female nurse who chose to leave her role after giving birth, having found no facilities for breastfeeding at her hospital.

Shankar emphasized the cultural expectations placed upon women in the Pacific, who are often seen as primary caregivers. He acknowledged the bias in these expectations but stated that while culture cannot be transformed overnight, system-level support can make a significant difference. “We can support it,” he encouraged, calling for practical solutions such as implementing daycare or child-minding spaces in hospitals to alleviate some of the burdens faced by women in the healthcare sector.

Without addressing these support structures, Shankar warned that more female healthcare professionals may exit the field. The bright side is that medical schools are witnessing a growing enrollment of women, including at institutions like Fiji National University, which could lead to a future where the healthcare landscape is more balanced and equitable.

Moreover, past discussions within the healthcare community echo similar sentiments regarding the systemic challenges faced by female workers, including issues of gender-based violence and the need for a supportive environment. As more women graduate and enter traditionally male-dominated fields, there is hope that their presence will help to reshape the healthcare system in a healthier, more inclusive manner.

The healthcare industry’s commitment to creating a fairer work environment is essential not just for retaining women but for strengthening the system entirely. Initiatives aimed at improving workplace conditions and cultural norms could pave the way for a robust healthcare system beneficial to both employees and patients alike, fostering a healthier society for all.


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