March 8, 2022
For female endoscopy professionals working across Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), a theme is clear on career advancement: how can they rise into leadership? Fifteen female physicians across EMEA will partner with Boston Scientific to collaborate and implement training and development sessions during 2022 to elevate, celebrate and empower the voices and experiences of female endoscopists to progress their careers. The EMEA Focus Group, launched on International Women’s Day, aims to positively influence diversity and inclusion in the healthcare sector by promoting greater diversity in speaking engagements, research, and physician training.
Over in the US, whilst more female physicians are joining endoscopy fellowship programs, they remain underrepresented in leadership and clinical research, and comprise only about 20% of practicing endoscopists.
“I am thrilled that we are partnering with Women in Endoscopy to implement meaningful change that will contribute to driving the professional growth and advancement of female endoscopists,” said Astrid Monteau, vice president of EMEA Endoscopy at Boston Scientific. “With our commitment to reducing health inequities for patients, this effort must also extend to the healthcare professionals who treat them so that we have a holistic view of how to improve patient outcomes.”
Creating a pathway to leadership requires removing unconscious bias, along with having visible female role models to inspire and motivate aspiring female endoscopists, according to a survey issued by Boston Scientific to find out from female HCPs how to make this group a valuable forum. This Group will provide strong networking opportunities to build relationships and insights to equip members with confidence to move their careers forward and enhance their visibility.
Increasing the female talent pipeline is important to enhance the patient experience. Due to embarrassment, female patients prefer having female endoscopists for a lower endoscopy for colon cancer screening, research has shown [1]. Delays in having medical appointments reduces achieving optimal health outcomes. Designing devices that factor in ergonomics for the broad customer base also requires listening to female endoscopists as women typically have smaller hands and less hand strength. Endoscope design has not significantly changed since the 1980s [2].
The EMEA Focus Group in Endoscopy builds upon similar partnerships and activities which Boston Scientific is driving to address gender inequality in various healthcare areas. Recently, the company has launched Women in Neuromodulation UK – or WiNMOD UK – to increase female representation in a traditionally male-dominated environment, and it has held the first Female Cardiologist Advisory Board meeting to discuss the need for diversity in this field.
Founded in 2015, Women in Endoscopy is a global organisation that champions the advancement of women through education, professional growth and leadership development. Boston Scientific is a sponsor.
[1] Women patients' preference for women physicians is a barrier to colon cancer screening