Home Institution
Brandeis University
Publication Date
Spring 2011
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in experiences, expectations, and opinions of male and female medical students in Salvador, Brazil, as well as to examine the ways in which those things change throughout medical careers. Fifty fifth and six year medical students were surveyed about their school experiences, career plans and preferences, and opinions on gender in the medical professions. In addition, four female doctors were interviewed about their own experiences and opinions as women and established doctors. Eight themes that came through in my data: Male and female medical students have very similar plans and preferences for their careers; women struggle more with competition in medical school than men; women feel more strongly than men that medical education lacks career planning; women expect children to have a larger impact on their careers than men; there are several ideas about what causes gender segregation in medical specialties; the different demographics of male and female doctors is contributed to both a gendered home environment and a gendered work environment; gender discrimination is perceived more by doctors than by students; and medical students are not interested in working in public health clinics. The discussion section reviews the evidence for these themes, interpretations for why they might be thematic, and insight as to their possible affects on gender equality and health care in Brazil. My research concludes that for the majority of the topics I explored, men and women students have the same experiences and preferences with some exceptions. My research suggests that with time these differences will expand as men and women´s paths diverge largely due to differences in family responsibilities. Finally, I concluded that 5 apparent tension between motherhood and being a doctor is caused by a demanding and gendered work environment.
Disciplines
Educational Sociology | Gender and Sexuality | Inequality and Stratification | Medicine and Health | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Recommended Citation
Vallario, Kylie, "The Implications of Gender on the Career Plans and Paths of Medical Students" (2011). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. Paper 1030.
http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/1030
Included in
Educational Sociology Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Medicine and Health Sciences Commons, Other Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons
Program Name
Brazil: Public Health, Race, and Human Rights