Purpose: To investigate how gender identity and prior personal experience in women\'s health influences student’s perception and performance on the OBGYN clerkship.
Background: OBGYN residency programs in the US are seeing fewer male applicants. Prior studies show that a positive experience and high grade in the OB/GYN clerkship correlates with students’ desire to pursue OB/GYN.
Methods: Single-center study enrolled University of Washington medical students prior to OBGYN clerkship from October 2019 - October 2020. Students received a survey assessing prior life experiences in women’s healthcare and pre-clerkship knowledge assessment (provided by APGO). Students’ exam grades were collected at the end of the clerkship.
Results: Participating male students scored higher on pre-clerkship knowledge assessment and shelf exam (P=0.6). 40% of students completed the qualitative survey and 30% APGO pre-test. Medical students perceived their gender would affect their evaluations/experiences. 91% of students who believed it would have a negative impact were male. 90% of male medical students reported the clerkship would not be relevant or minimally relevant to their future careers. Students strongly or moderately considering a career in OBGYN prior to the clerkship reported more personal, secondary, or work experience in women’s health.
Discussions: Grade disparities and negative experiences of male-identifying students on OBGYN clerkships have ramifications when recruiting diverse, excellent students to the specialty. The misperception of male students who do not choose OBGYN are also concerning. It is essential to find ways to address perceived and real grade disparity, and craft clerkships that feel inclusive and relevant to all students, regardless of future specialty choice.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2022, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Medical Knowledge, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, UME,
Natalie Eggleston, MD, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center; Mallory Kremer, MD
