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Gender sensitivity in medical curricula
B Zelek1, S P Phillips, Y Lefebvre
1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ont.
Summary
Gender bias in medicine impacts health outcomes. This study explores how medical education can become more gender-sensitive by addressing stereotypes in curriculum content, language, and teaching methods for better health equity.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Gender Studies
- Public Health
Background:
- Historically, medical research and practice have overlooked the influence of gender on health.
- Societal gender stereotypes have permeated medical education, leading to biased approaches.
- A lack of gender sensitivity in medicine affects both male and female patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of historical gender blindness in medicine.
- To present practical strategies for developing gender-sensitive medical curricula.
- To advocate for a transformation in medical education to address gender bias.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the effects of gender bias in medical education.
- Development of criteria for assessing gender sensitivity in curricula by the Women's Health Interschool Curriculum Committee of Ontario.
- Exploration of practical approaches to integrate gender sensitivity into curriculum content, language, and process.
Main Results:
- Medical education often portrays men as the norm, with women as deviations.
- Gender stereotyping is present in lecture materials, illustrations, and problem-based learning scenarios.
- Women's health issues are frequently confined to reproductive functions.
Conclusions:
- Medical curricula require transformation to eliminate gender stereotyping.
- Gender-sensitive medical education ensures equitable representation and inclusive language.
- Addressing gender bias is crucial for improving health outcomes and medical practice.