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Why are women underrepresented in thoracic surgery?
Women make up less than 10% of thoracic surgeons, often facing barriers like skepticism, exclusion, and limited mentorship. Despite these challenges, many women succeed through resilience and determination, highlighting the need for more inclusive practices.
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What efforts are being made to support women in surgical careers?
Medical institutions and professional organizations are implementing mentorship programs, diversity initiatives, and policies aimed at increasing female representation and creating supportive environments for women surgeons.
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How does gender inequality affect patient care?
Gender inequality can impact team dynamics, decision-making, and access to opportunities, ultimately influencing the quality of patient care. Promoting diversity among surgeons helps improve outcomes and innovation.
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What are the biggest barriers women face in surgery today?
Common barriers include gender bias, lack of mentorship, work-life balance challenges, and exclusion from leadership roles. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering a more equitable surgical field.
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How is the NHS working to reduce waiting times?
The NHS is actively reforming care pathways, increasing capacity, and investing in new facilities to cut long elective waiting lists. Despite progress, regional disparities and capacity issues remain challenges to achieving targets.
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What impact do healthcare reforms have on patient access?
Reforms aim to streamline services and reduce delays, improving patient access to timely care. However, ongoing capacity constraints mean that progress varies across regions, requiring continued effort.