Women physicians in training: a systematic review of career choices, professional experiences, and implications for the healthcare workforce

Objective This systematic review explored factors motivating women medical students and postgraduates to choose medicine, the effects of their increasing numbers, and challenges encountered. Influence on professional interactions with men physicians and other professionals, and workforce planning implications were also explored. The quality of evidence of the studies supporting different research questions was also noted. Methods Studies among medical students and postgraduates published from January 2003 to September 2024 addressing the key questions were included. Although this manuscript is being submitted in June 2026, the data included in the literature search is till September 2024. The databases PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO Host, and Google Scholar were searched for English-language studies. Two authors independently evaluated the quality of included studies using appropriate checklists (appraisal tool for cross sectional studies for quantitative cross-sectional studies, and quality appraisal checklist for qualitative studies). The studies were summarized and analysed according to the key questions. Results Fifty-six studies were included, with 29 (51.8%) published during or after 2014. Personal interest, increasing number of medical schools, increasing job availability, financial advantages, parental expectations, and stable career prospects attracted women to medicine. In developing countries, women patients often preferred women doctors, especially for gynaecological and reproductive problems. Systemic challenges included inadequate institutional support (e.g., inflexible scheduling, insufficient maternity leave), gender discrimination, a shortage of women mentors, discriminatory social norms, and underrepresentation in certain specialties. Conclusion Inclusive policies, including flexible scheduling, parental leave for all caregivers, accessible childcare, and mentorship programs are required at the institutional level. These initiatives will benefit both men and women professionals balancing caregiving, family, and career responsibilities. Increasing numbers of women in medicine will significantly impact healthcare education and service delivery. Additional research from low- and middle-income countries is needed, and the methodological quality of studies may require strengthening.