J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2022 Aug;33(4):11-19.

Exploring sex differences in Korean emergency physicians using nationwide survey

• Bae KS
• Park KH
• Kang JH
• Key D
• Kim IB
• Kim Hj
• Park SY
• Seo BS
• Yeo IH
• Yoon YS
• Lee MJ
• Lee ES
• Lee HM
• Lim D
• Jung WJ
• Cho KH
• Joo Y
• Jee CG
• Choi SJ
• Han J

Abstract

Objective
In this study, we compared differences based on the gender of Korean emergency physicians to provide basic data for future emergency medicine development plans.
Methods
We used data from the emergency physician survey (2020) conducted by the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine. A total of 1,303 emergency physicians responded to the survey. We adjusted demographic data relating to age, position, and work duration as an emergency physician, which could affect the differences based on gender. After propensity score matching, we compared working hours, work burden, income, motives for applying for emergency medicine, and future plans of the emergency physicians by sex.
Results
The total working hours per month and night shifts per month were higher in men compared to the women. The women felt more pressure in the following areas: number of emergency patients, relationships with administrative agencies, insufficient emergency medical technician manpower, patients’ compliance, and relationships with other emergency physicians. Monthly income was higher in men. Women placed a higher value on ‘Acquiring a range of knowledge’ and ‘Degree of interest in working in the emergency room’ than men as motivation for applying for positions in emergency medicine. Regarding future plans, women placed less value on income and more on having enough free time and avoiding burnout. The retirement age was about 3 years lower for women than for men.
Conclusion
This study revealed gender differences in working hours, income, motivation for applying for emergency medicine, work burden, and future plans. It is expected that these differences are caused by physical limitations and socio-cultural backgrounds. It is recommended that more detailed investigations be carried out through qualitative research. These results could help in gender considerations while hiring emergency physicians.

Keyword

Emergency medicine; Republic of Korea; Sex differences; Sex characteristics; Female