Gender bias is everywhere, but gender bias, in healthcare, can cost a woman’s life.
Last month, REDSCOPE’s CEO Claudia de Castro Caldeirinha, had the opportunity to give a talk at The Nine (Brussels) on Health, Women & Bias, together with Dr. Audrey-Flore Ngomsik. An enlightening discussion that revealed the importance of tackling (unconscious) bias in healthcare, since it has been demonstrated that women are more likely to die or suffer medical complications when being in the hands of men.
A recent Canadian study co-led by Dr. Angela Jerath, analysed the correlation between the gender of the patient, the gender of their surgeon and the outcome of the surgery. It revealed that women treated by men are more likely to be marginalised & gaslighted and it can take more time to provide them with a correct diagnosis.
These types of behaviours have long-lasting consequences in women and show that more needs to be done in the field of tackling gender bias in healthcare. More research, political determination and equal opportunities for women surgeons are needed in order to put an end to a critical matter that costs lives.
If you are interested in the topic, download this free PDF with all the facts and figures.