‘Women in Medicine’ Discussion at University Gallery

On Monday, December 9th, at University Gallery, in Split 3, a discussion titled "Women in Medicine" took place held, organized by the Institute for Migration Research in Zagreb, in collaboration with University of Split’s Department of Health Studies. The event included scientists from various institutions that have to do with this topic.

Analysing ratios of women and men according to hierarchy in medicine and science, gives the impression that there are those "more equal among equals." Although the social milieu, political, economic, and cultural public generally supports gender equality, they still enforce tacit established practice of disparity in salaries and not enough women in managerial and leadership positions.

"The point is to emphasize women in medicine, and the issue, that is the female story, is addressed among several disciplines, so we are trying to answer the question of whether there is a glass ceiling, through a philosophical, sociological, historical, and economic-statistical narrative"; assist. prof. Maja Vizjak Ph.D. pointed out the significance of this topic.

Prof. Irena Drmić Hofman Ph.D., head of University Department of Health Sciences, stated that statistics show how women are more and more educated, inclined towards lifelong learning, and that they work hard on building their careers. Speaking from the perspective of management and her own experience as department head, she emphasized the importance of empowering women in leadership.

Nine scientists contributed to the discussion, each from their own perspective, and offered potential solutions. They are: prof. Marita Brčić Kuljiš Ph.D.  and assoc. prof. Ivanka Buzov Ph.D. from Faculty of Humanities, Vlatka Dugački Ph.D. from Miroslav Krleža Lexicographic Institute, assist. prof. Maja Vizjak Ph.D. from Institute for Migration Research, assist. prof. Mirela Pavičić Ivelja Ph.D., assistant director of KBC Split, prof. Irena Drmić Hofman Ph.D. from University Department of Health Studies, prof. Renata Pecotić Ph.D. from Split School of Medicine, assoc. prof. Prim. Daniela Marasović Krstulović Ph.D. from KBC Split, and Prof. Emerita Dušanka Martinović Kaliterna, president of Croatian Academy’s branch of Medical Sciences.

"Women in Medicine" discussion was successful in providing inspiring insights and prompting reflection about the role of women in this noble profession. Concluding with a quote: "Women in medicine are its foundation. What is still lacking are women above the glass ceiling." - prof. Ana Marušić, Journal of Global Health’s editor.