# Reflections on Gender Inequality in Medical Education

## The Beginning of My Journey

**I was on the brink of sitting my A levels, dreaming of the day I would enter medical school, just like my cousin Sally.** Our grandmother, proud of both of us, voiced her concerns, stating, “It’s such a pity that Sally has to do boys’ subjects. She’d make a lovely doctor without having to study boys’ subjects like physics and chemistry.” Little did she know, Sally was far more academically gifted than I was and was bound to achieve far better grades in those so-called “boy’s subjects.”

## The Challenge of Gender Bias

In the late 1960s, women faced considerable prejudice within the medical field. I gained admission to an antiquated medical school in London, where the student body consisted of approximately one hundred and twenty individuals, only twelve of whom were women. However, societal changes were underway. When I graduated in 1975, I was thrilled to see the new cohort comprised an equal proportion of men and women, a remarkable shift from my own experience. However, this change came with its complications. The prevailing culture of my medical school idolized rugby, with the Hospital’s Cup being the highlight of the college calendar. In the 1970s, the notion of women participating in rugby was practically non-existent, raising the question: how could we contribute to this celebrated aspect of college life?

## Observing Progress

Fast forward to today, women now constitute the majority of registered doctors, making up an impressive 50.04 percent of the total, which translates to 164,440 female doctors. While this progress is noteworthy, I’m still taken aback that it took fifty years for my once-misogynistic medical school to finally embrace gender parity in its admissions.

## A Glimpse into the Past

When reflecting on the odious gender biases of the 1970s, it is essential to recognize how far society has come. Historically speaking, we were far more progressive than the attitudes present in the 1870s. A particularly disturbing account that struck me was a paper published in the British Medical Journal on May 28, 1870. It highlighted a British doctor’s outrage at the emerging trend of training women to be doctors in France—a practice he deemed entirely inappropriate.

## Arguments Against Women in Medicine

This doctor laid out several dubious arguments against the need for female medical practitioners. He questioned, “Are women doctors required?” asserting that men were inherently better suited for medical practice. He argued that “in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, men-doctors will successfully compete with women-doctors.” Such prejudiced notions illustrate the archaic beliefs that have plagued the medical field for generations.

In his detailed observations, he recounted a jarring experience: “I have seen a young woman with unblushing front, taking notes along with young men, of a lecture on the clitoris and hymen, illustrated by curious anecdotes and preparations. These disgusting spectacles made a strong impression upon my mind.” He lamented that this co-education would undermine respect for female modesty, claiming that a shared medical education could only lead to mutual degradation among students of both genders.

## A Glimmer of Understanding

Interestingly, the same doctor begrudgingly recognized the necessity of equipping women properly for their roles as physicians and surgeons, stating, “if women are to have a fair chance of being equal to men, they must learn their profession along with them.” He even suggested that it might be beneficial for young men to foster relationships with reputable female peers instead of seeking companionship in less respectable circles.

However, he concluded with a disheartening notion: “Is it not cruel, therefore, to women and injurious to men to allure women to barter modesty for medicine?” Despite these historical prejudices, it’s important to recognize that change was on the horizon. Just six years later, in 1876, the medical act was amended, allowing the licensing of all qualified individuals, regardless of gender.

## A New Era of Representation

Today, female representation in medical education stands at about 60 percent, and the current figure of 50.04 percent female doctors is expected to rise. The dynamics of medical practice are already shifting, with general practice becoming significantly more family-friendly. Out-of-hours work in the NHS has transitioned to a voluntary model, and the need for adaptability regarding gender roles has never been more apparent.

## Embracing Change in Healthcare

With more women entering the profession, it raises the question of how medical practices will evolve. Many female doctors prefer working part-time, which introduces the challenge of addressing the increasing demand for healthcare services. This navigation of balance is crucial as we move forward into a more equitable future within medicine.

## The Need for Modern Tools

Unlike the outdated beliefs of that colleague from 1870, I firmly believe there is an essential place for women in medicine. I have never observed any female doctors blushing during gynecology lectures, and their contributions are invaluable. For those navigating the modern challenges in embracing such changes, **AI legalese decoder** can be instrumental. This AI tool simplifies complex legal texts, enabling advocates and professionals to understand evolving regulations and policies surrounding gender equality in medicine. By breaking down these barriers, AI legalese decoder can assist stakeholders in promoting a more inclusive and equitable environment, ensuring that the strides made towards gender parity in medicine are thoughtfully supported.