Gender equity in Taiwan medical education: Insights from a 16-year national prevalence study

The proportion of women in higher education in Taiwan has gradually increased, mirrored by a steady rise in female medical graduates. This study analyzed gender ratios among graduates with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Western medicine, Chinese medicine, and dentistry from 2007 to 2022, using data from the Taiwan Medical Association. In Western medicine, females accounted for 33.0% of bachelor's, 47.9% of master's, and 29.3% of doctoral graduates. In Chinese medicine, the figures were 43.7%, 54.3%, and 33.8%, respectively. Dentistry approached gender parity, with females comprising 43.0% of bachelor's, 51.0% of master's, and 37.6% of doctoral graduates. Statistically significant increases in female graduates were noted over time for most levels in Western and Chinese medicine, but not in dentistry. Regional analysis showed persistent male predominance in all regions, though significant increases in female graduates were present in northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan. Although these results indicate progress in gender equality within medical education, substantial disparities remain. Ongoing efforts should address institutional and cultural barriers to ensure true equity in both training and professional advancement.