FEMALE UROLOGISTS - A GROWING POPULATION

Purpose: Although urology continues to be a male dominated field, the participation and influence of women within the specialty are growing. In the United States as of July 1995, 56 of 1,339 urology residents ( 4.2%) and 97 of 8,227 board certified urologists (1.2%) were women. Th e demographics of this group, including age, board certification, fell owship experience and practice patterns, are unknown. Mentorship and m otivations leading to urology as a specialty choice for women are also unreported. Materials and Methods: We surveyed 161 female urologists by mail. Results: Of the women surveyed 80% responded. Female urologis ts tend to be young and board certified, 39% are fellowship trained an d 22% hold full-time academic positions. Women mere discouraged from s electing urology as a specialty because of gender. Many women had male (59%) or no (35%) mentors throughout the training years, 70% were mar ried and 44% had children. Of the 25 respondents who had children duri ng residency most (84%) felt supported by the program director and res ident peers. Despite obstacles 94% of female urologists would encourag e other women to enter urology. Conclusions: Female urologists are you ng, well educated and career oriented. Although most did not have ment ors during training, there is a high level of job satisfaction and low attrition after training.