Exploring the phenomenon of bride doctors: from local perception to socio cultural barriers: A case study of twin cities

Abstract

The study aims to explore sociocultural barriers Bride doctors face while perusing Professional degree and after getting married. It also attempts to find out the reasons behind female doctors giving up on medical career after getting married. The study incorporates local perceptions to explore the importance of medical degree in Pakistan. The research employs qualitative research methods such as in depth interviews and semi structured interviews from a sample of 28 respondents which includes 10 Bride doctors, 8 parents and 10 medical students. The sample was selected using purposive and convenient sampling technique. While the percentage of female students in medical schools in Pakistan is as high as 80–85 per cent, the percentage of female doctors in the medical workforce remains below 50 per cent. The findings show the reasons behind the gap between female medical students and female medical professionals is multifaceted The study suggests that the problem of female doctors dropping out of the medical workforce is because of the interplay of social, organizational and individual factors, which are tied together by social norms. The research also suggest to implement strict policies towards admission criteria and also making hospitals and health organizations more flexible for women so that their needs could be a starting point for policymakers to overcome the gender gap in the medical profession, it also suggests to impose legislation towards doctors to serve hospitals for at least five years after graduation. Keywords: Bride Doctors, sociocultural barriers, local perspective, student’s perceptions, Twin cities.