Work

The impact of gendered language in residency program descriptions on medical students’ perceptions

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Medical students may be influenced by perceived program culture and personal fit when applying to residency. Medical students were given three iterations of a generic residency program description presented with gender-neutral, feminine, or masculine skewed language and were subsequently asked to assess their perception of gender diversity and fit within each program. Gendered language in program descriptions had a direct effect on all participants’ sense of gender diversity in programs. The feminine-skewed description was most favorably perceived, regardless of respondent gender. These findings provide a starting point from which residency programs can consider the impact of gendered language on student recruitment and gender equity.

Source: Discover Education

DOI: 10.1007/s44217-024-00324-2

Authors: Reagan E. Treadwell Smucker, Catherine G. Nguyen, Catherine E. Read, Jovanna A. Tracz, Laurie L. Wellman

Institutions: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Old Dominion University

Language: English

Topic: Gender Studies in Language

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Quality education, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,340