Gender balance in Fellowship applications
Posted on: Wednesday 15 July 2026
Author: Dr Emma harvey FFPM, Vice President of FPM
In 2024, FPM changed its Fellowship criteria, which had previously been based on the length of time served as a Member of FPM (MFPM). The revised criteria enabled experienced pharmaceutical physicians to apply for Fellowship by demonstrating their experience and seniority in the profession. That year, FPM received 71 applications: 60 from men (85%) and 11 from women (15%).
This did not reflect the gender balance within pharmaceutical medicine, which is approximately 55% men and 45% women.
In 2024, FPM launched a survey to explore the barriers that might discourage eligible women from applying for Fellowship and to better understand how FPM could provide support. Alongside this, FPM ran a campaign encouraging more women to apply. The gender balance in 2025 improved considerably, with 38 applications from men (66%) and 20 from women (34%).
Scroll forward to 2026, the overall balance remained broadly similar. Of the 40 applications received, 26 were from men (65%) and 14 were from women (35%). However, women represented a much higher proportion of those elected to Fellowship than in previous years.
Ten of the 14 women who applied were successful, a success rate of 71%. Women therefore accounted for 45% of the 22 successful applicants. By comparison, 12 of the 26 men who applied were successful, a success rate of 46%, accounting for 55% of those elected.
What have I learned over the last few years from speaking to candidates? Women are less likely to apply unless they are very certain they will be successful. Often, they wait until their career trajectory has taken them into very senior roles and their families, if they have them, are more grown up and independent.
The phrase “imposter syndrome” has come up several times! Underestimating their own achievements and overestimating what is required for Fellowship are common reasons for not applying.
Congratulations to all our new Fellows, regardless of gender. Fellowship of FPM is a significant achievement and one of which to be proud.
For those who were not successful this year, please do not be too disheartened. Consider the feedback you have received and think about applying again in the future.
