Experiences of Transgender and Nonbinary Physicians During Medical Residency Program Application
Elizabeth J Kvach1, Jamie Weinand2, Ryan O'Connell3
1is Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, University of Colorado School of Medicine; at the time of writing.
Journal of Graduate Medical Education
|April 26, 2021
Summary
Transgender and nonbinary individuals experience discrimination during medical residency applications, including fear of disclosure and misgendering. Programs should adopt gender-affirming practices to improve applicant experiences.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Diversity and Inclusion in Medicine
- Health Equity
Background:
- Growing number of transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals pursuing medical careers.
- Limited understanding of TNB applicant experiences in the residency application process.
- Impact of gender identity on residency selection and training.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the experiences and needs of TNB individuals during residency application and Match.
- Identify areas for improvement in residency program practices.
- Inform residency programs on supporting TNB applicants.
Main Methods:
- Online survey distributed in 2019 to TNB residents and recent graduates (within 3 years).
- Recruitment via social media, professional groups, and snowball sampling.
- Data collected from participants in 10 medical specialties across the US.
Main Results:
- 69.2% felt unsafe disclosing gender identity due to fear of discrimination.
- 26.9% believed they were ranked lower based on gender identity.
- 42.3% were misnamed or misgendered during interviews.
Conclusions:
- TNB residents and recent graduates perceive gender identity discrimination in residency applications.
- Key issues include fear of disclosure and misgendering.
- Programs are urged to implement gender-affirming practices and policies.
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