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Who are physician-scientists' role models? Gender makes a difference
1University of Wisconsin-Madison, Clinical Investigator Preparatory Program, 53706, USA. lbakken@wisc.edu
Summary
Physician-scientists often envision male role models, particularly for clinical research careers. Women in science value communication and problem-solving skills in mentors, highlighting gender
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Physician-Scientist Training
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Physician-scientists are crucial for advancing medical knowledge.
- Understanding the role models influencing their career development is important.
- Self-assessment of clinical research abilities is key for early-career physicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in envisioned role models among physician-scientists-in-training.
- To explore how self-assessed clinical research abilities relate to role model perceptions.
- To determine if gender influences the envisioned role models for clinical research.
Main Methods:
- A 35-item clinical research self-efficacy questionnaire was used.
- 251 healthcare professionals from 2002-2004 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison participated.
- Data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher exact tests to compare variables by gender.
Main Results:
- Most respondents envisioned male role models (71% of women, 95% of men).
- The primary role envisioned was a departmental faculty mentor.
- Women more frequently sought "communication skills" and "problem-solving abilities" in their role models, especially when envisioning a female expert.
Conclusions:
- Role model gender significantly impacts the career development of physician-scientists.
- Addressing gendered preferences in role models can enhance training environments.
- Recognizing diverse qualities valued by trainees is essential for effective mentorship.