Gender disparities in Hong Kong emergency medicine: Experiences of discrimination, harassment and career impact

Abstract

Abstract Background Women remain under‐represented in emergency medicine in Hong Kong, but the role of gender‐based discrimination and harassment in this disparity is unexplored. Objective To investigate gender‐based discrimination, work experiences and harassment among emergency physicians in Hong Kong. Methods A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted among fellows and trainees of the Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine. The survey included the Overt Gender Discrimination at Work (OGDW) scale, gender‐differentiated experiences, burnout and career intentions. Results Of 708 eligible participants, 236 (33.3%) responded. Female physicians reported significantly higher OGDW scores (median 13 vs. 8 and p < 0.001). 21.3% of women reported sexual harassment compared to 2.7% of men. Women were also more significantly likely to experience gender‐differentiated experiences including receiving gender‐based career advice, experiencing patient bias and feeling excluded. Female physicians were more likely to have seriously considered leaving the speciality (44.3% vs. 27.9% and p = 0.015). Both genders reported similar levels of burnout. Qualitative responses highlighted issues of mistaken identity, workplace discrimination and challenges in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Conclusion Female emergency physicians in Hong Kong face higher levels of perceived discrimination, more frequent gender‐differentiated experiences and are more likely to consider leaving the speciality. Targeted interventions are needed to address gender disparities, improve reporting mechanisms for harassment and promote equity in emergency medicine. Future research should explore the impact of these experiences on physician well‐being and career trajectories.

Keywords

• burnout
• emergency medicine
• gender equity
• professional
• sexism
• sexual harassment