Post-Conference Report by Riddhi Jha
Attending the recent MWF Spring conference on Redefining Health – with women doctors, was both a professionally enriching and personally inspiring experience. This was my first time attending a medical conference, and I found it to be an extremely valuable learning and networking experience. The event brought together a diverse group of healthcare professionals, leaders in the field, and students, all committed to advancing the role of women in medicine and addressing the unique healthcare needs of women. With a range of presentations, talks, and panel discussions, the conference highlighted the need for a focus on gender equity in the medical profession.
One of the most interesting presentations was ‘The Role of Women Doctors in Developing Clinical Practice Guidelines: Systematic Review of the NICE and SIGN Guidelines’. The extent of the lack of gender specific criteria and guidelines was something I was completely unaware of. However, from this session, I gained an understanding of how addressing the lack of women-specific criteria in clinical guidelines is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and equitable healthcare. Many medical conditions present differently in women; despite this, guidelines often rely on data derived primarily from male populations. This can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and poorer outcomes for women. Incorporating sex- and gender-specific research into clinical guidelines will help close the gender gap in healthcare outcomes and improve the safety of care for all patients.
In addition, I think learning about the continued presence of sexual harassment and misconduct in the NHS was very eye-opening for me. I believe that conversations around these topics are often avoided due to their sensitive nature. However, it is essential for everyone to be aware that this does still happen, and it is extremely important to speak up. I am more aware of the importance of addressing unconscious bias, both my own and that which may exist within my future healthcare team, through training and open conversations.
From a career development standpoint, the conference provided excellent networking opportunities. I connected with fellow students and leading female doctors. The event fostered a strong sense of community among attendees, encouraging collaboration and mentorship. Moreover, seeing female physicians in prominent leadership positions reinforced my belief that it is possible to achieve this. As a South-Asian woman, it was particularly inspiring for me to see a diverse panel of female leaders within the medical field. The conference was also a great opportunity to share my research through a poster presentation. This gave me the confidence to talk about my research to others and to discuss a topic that I am very passionate about.
In conclusion, this conference acted as a call to action. It challenged me to think critically about gender dynamics in medicine and to champion equity in both healthcare delivery and professional advancement. Addressing barriers that female doctors face, such as pay gaps, limited leadership opportunities, and work-life imbalance, is essential and something that I hope to be an advocate for.
