Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2025

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Medical School Faculty Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Sex and Gender-Based Medicine
Abigail Duerst1, Anna Vanderschaegen2, Juliana M Kling3
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, Milwaukee, WI.
Introduction:
A person's sex and/or gender may influence the pathogenesis, presentation, and therapeutic response to disease; yet, the impact of sex and gender is not routinely evaluated in medical research, nor adequately emphasized in medical school curricula. Little is known about medical school faculty knowledge and attitudes regarding sex and gender-based medicine (SGBM).
Methods:
We administered an online survey to 158 faculty members at WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. The survey of knowledge on SGBM was adapted from two prior surveys used in medical student and resident populations and modified for faculty participants. Hidden curriculum theory, which proposes students learn through formal curriculum as well as through passive perceptions of faculty and institutional attitudes, was used as a theoretical lens.
Results:
Thirty-eight of 158 recipients completed the survey, for a 24% response rate. Respondents answered an average of 48.53% of the knowledge questions correctly; percent correct did not differ significantly between men and women faculty members (P= .2732). Seventy one percent of respondents indicated it was important or very important to consider sex and gender when providing patient care. Only 24% indicated they had some formal or continuing education on the topic. Respondents indicated interest in educational opportunities for SGBM in the form of online modules or lectures.
Conclusion:
Though faculty respondents endorsed SGBM, few have had formal education related to the topic. Faculty development on SGBM may close knowledge gaps and facilitate integration of this curriculum. The survey tool developed through this project may be useful for other institutions engaged in similar efforts related to SGBM.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...

