Despite growing numbers of women entering medicine, women remain underrepresented in gastroenterology (GI) in the United States and globally, and barriers to equity persist. Prior studies describing gender makeup and ongoing challenges for women in GI have largely reflected the physician experience in the United States (US). In this study by Venezia et al., the authors report the results of a survey conducted among Italian women gastroenterologists. Despite more robust protective laws, including mandatory paid maternity leave, disparities in career trajectory, participation in advanced training opportunities, and academic representation persist. This study suggests that longitudinal policies (including and beyond parental leave) and improved collaboration among women in GI across the globe are needed to achieve equity and parity in our field.
© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.