Survey Reveals Healthcare Field Diversity

Insights into professional backgrounds of respondents.

A recent survey sheds light on the diverse professional backgrounds of its participants, providing valuable insights into the healthcare field. From medical experts to individuals outside the profession, the survey captured a wide range of perspectives.

Wide Array of Specialties Represented

The survey included options for respondents to identify their specialty, reflecting the multifaceted nature of healthcare. A significant portion indicated “I’m not a medical professional,” suggesting broad interest beyond the clinical setting.

Among the medical specialties listed were Allergy and Immunology, Anatomy, Anesthesiology, and Biostatistics. Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery were represented, along with Cardiology and Critical Care. Even Dentistry was included, broadening the scope beyond traditional medicine.

Other specialties included Dermatology, Diabetes and Endocrinology, and Emergency Medicine. This shows the range of specializations and interests within the healthcare sector. Epidemiology and Public Health were also listed, with Family Medicine and Forensic Medicine.

Additional areas of expertise spanned Gastroenterology, General Practice, and Genetics. There was representation from Geriatrics, Health Policy, and Hematology. HIV/AIDS and Hospital-based Medicine were also specifically noted.

The survey also accounted for Integrative/Complementary Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Internal Medicine-Pediatrics. Medical Education and Simulation, along with Medical Physics and those identifying as a Medical Student, were among the choices.

Further options included Nephrology, Neurological Surgery, and Neurology. Nuclear Medicine and Nutrition were represented, as well as Obstetrics and Gynecology. Those in Occupational Health and Oncology also participated.

Ophthalmology and Optometry were listed, alongside Oral Medicine and Orthopaedics. Osteopathic Medicine and Otolaryngology were included. Pain Management and Palliative Care were also noted.

Pathology and Pediatrics were represented, as well as Pediatric Surgery. Pharmacology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation were included. Plastic Surgery and Podiatry were listed, in addition to Preventive Medicine.

Psychiatry and Psychology were included, as well as Pulmonology and Radiation Oncology. Radiology and Rheumatology were also options. Substance Use and Addiction and Surgery were represented.

Finally, Therapeutics and Trauma were listed. Urology and a Miscellaneous category rounded out the choices, indicating a comprehensive effort to capture varied backgrounds. According to a recent study by the Association of American Medical Colleges, only 56.2% of physicians are white, demonstrating a growing diversity within the field (AAMC 2019).