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OBJECTIVES: Despite the increasing number of female medical students and fellows in Europe, women are still under-represented in higher academic careers and positions in medicine. The aim of this survey was to assess the 'status quo' on gender distribution among rheumatologists in Germany. METHODS: A web-based anonymous survey (21 questions with multiple answers and free text) using QuestionPro® was distributed among rheumatologists in Germany via newsletters, social media and personal contact, including questions regarding hierarchical positions and work characteristics. RESULTS: Among the total of 170 respondents (72% women, 28% men, 1% diverse), 48% were rheumatologists in training, 35% were trained rheumatologists and 7% were heads of rheumatology departments. Regarding the gender ratio at different hierarchical levels, 74% of respondents reported more men than women in leadership positions. Part-time work was possible in the departments of 86% of respondents, with more women working part-time (56%) compared to men (29%). Most respondents stated their impression that employees working part-time did not have the same career chances as full-time workers in their departments. In total, 66% agreed that activities to improve gender equity are necessary. The highest need was seen in reconciling work and family through, e.g., part-time models, flexible childcare options at work and a higher acceptance of part-time work in leadership positions. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, a gender imbalance is prevalent among rheumatologists in Germany, with lower numbers of women evident at higher hierarchical levels. Traditional role assignments are still represented by a higher proportion of part-time work in women. The establishment of structural changes to achieve better gender equity is needed.
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BACKGROUND: In 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic led to the annual meeting of the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh) being conducted as the virtual German Rheumatology Congress. AIM: How is the virtual German Rheumatology Congress accepted and what are the possibilities of optimization for the future? MATERIAL AND METHOD: The registered participants were asked to take part in an online congress evaluation. RESULTS: Of 2566 congress attendees, 721 participated in the evaluation. The majority (80.2%) were (very) satisfied with the event overall. Compared to the traditional format collegial exchange was perceived as worse using the virtual approach. The technology platform was predominantly described as easy to use and easily accessible. The selected topics of the congress met the expectations of 89% of the participants. The presented contents were estimated to be relevant for their professional activities by 85.2% of the participants. The majority of participants (85.3%) would welcome the congress contents to be permanently available on demand. DISCUSSION: Overall, the participants appreciated the virtual format of the German Rheumatology Congress. Optimization aspects could be shown and these could be considered in the implementation of further (digital) congresses. The results of this work provide suggestions for improvement on how the DGRh can meet and exceed the needs of participants in organizing a virtual or hybrid conference in the future.