Researcher Aranka Ballering at Ghent University examines the gender gap in healthcare, focusing on how women experience more frequent and severe physical complaints but receive fewer diagnoses than men. Her work combines biomedical knowledge with sociological insights to understand the systemic biases in first-line care and the stigma surrounding persistent physical symptoms.
Ballering highlights that many diagnostic methods and medical training historically prioritize male bodies, leading to overlooked conditions in women. She advocates for more gender-sensitive research, medical education, and awareness among healthcare providers to ensure equitable care. Her ongoing research at Ghent University aims to improve understanding of both biological and social factors affecting health outcomes for women.
Source: Ghent University
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