Speciality choices of women doctors in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

Objectives To identify the medical specialties that were selected by women medical graduates for postgraduate training and the distribution of the specialties among the trainees. Methods Data maintained on women medical graduate registering for postgraduate training provided or monitored by the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialization during 1974 to 1998 were reviewed. Results Of the 603 subjects, 543 [90%] were Kuwaiti nationals. They had obtained the basic degree in medicine from many universities in the region, with 358 [59.4%] having graduated from Kuwait University. The specialties of Pediatrics [18.2%], Family Medicine [15%], Obstetrics and Gynecology [13.6%] and Medicine [11.6%] ranked higher than the others among the choices for training as Assistant Registrar. 166 [32%] received training abroad on state-funded scholarships, 93 [56%] opting for the United Kingdom and Ireland. 120 [19.9%] had obtained a Diploma or a Master's degree in the chosen specialties. 152 [25.2%] qualified with Memberships/Fellowships from Royal Colleges in UK and Ireland or Board Certificates from North America or institutions in other countries. Conclusion Pediatrics, Family Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology are preferred for specialist training by women medical graduates in Kuwait. Surgery does not appear as an attractive choice. The findings are similar to observations made in previous investigations in other countries. The socio-cultural factors exiting in the society may act as an additional incentive for women doctors to select specialties that offer 'controllable life styles