Medical Doctors and Leadership Positions in Abuja, Nigeria: A Gender Perspective

Background: Physicians generally serve as leaders and advocates at several levels within health facilities, communities and societies but few occupy authoritative and consultative positions. This study aims to determine the leadership positions, barriers to occupying leadership positions, and training received for leadership positions among medical doctors by gender in Abuja, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross sectional, descriptive study carried out among medical doctors in Abuja over four months. Results: Questionnaires from 162 doctors consisting 103 males and 59 females were analysed. The mean age was 36.23 SD ± 8.867 years. Leadership positions held were higher among the males for all categories except Chief Medical Advisory Committee (1.9%:3.4%). The commonest leadership position occupied was chairman of a subcommittee (n=30; 18.5%), the leadership setting being mainly in hospitals (n=71; 43.8%) and leadership position obtained mainly by appointment (n=76; 47%). The commonest barrier to obtaining a leadership position was “not interested” (n=30; 18.5%). Sixteen (27%) of 59 female doctors were not interested in occupying leadership positions. Seventy-five (46.3%) doctors had received formal training on leadership which was mainly in classrooms in Nigeria (n=49; 30.2%). Conclusion: More doctors, especially females should be encouraged to occupy positions of leadership that come with authoritative and consultative powers.