Gender Can Influence Student Experiences in MD-PhD Training.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Gender Studies in Science
• Physician-Scientist Training

Background:

• Women are underrepresented in MD-PhD programs despite gender parity in medical/biomedical fields.
• Physician-scientists are crucial for medical advancements, particularly in women's health.
• Understanding gendered experiences in training programs is vital for equity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender-based differences in the training environment of an MD-PhD program.
• To identify specific aspects of the program that may impact female students.
• To explore female students' perceptions of discrimination and support.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of gender differences in symposium speakers and student participation in seminars.
• Statistical analysis of publication data and question-asking behavior.
• Survey assessing perceptions of gender-based discrimination, including qualitative analysis of free-text responses.

Main Results:

• Female students asked fewer seminar questions, and female speakers received more questions.
• Faculty and keynote speakers at symposia were more likely to be male.
• Female students reported less perceived support and described cumulative experiences of discrimination.

Conclusions:

• The study identified specific environmental factors within one MD-PhD program that may discourage female students.
• Awareness of these gender disparities led to positive programmatic changes.
• Addressing subtle discrimination is crucial for retaining and supporting women in physician-scientist training.