Examining Gender-Role Barriers for Women in Biomedical Research and Medical Programs

• In Event: Gendered Relationships in College Contexts

Abstract

Women in medicine and biomedical research often face challenges to their retention, promotion, and advancement to leadership positions. This qualitative study examines how gender-role barriers of childbearing and childrearing might contribute to such a trend. We analyzed 40 semi-structured interviews from female students and post-graduate professionals. We used grounded theory and devised a Condition-Process-Outcome theoretical framework to understand barriers. Women across all three programs (MD, PhD, and MD/PhD) reported gender-role barriers mostly due to poor mentoring, time constraints, set expectations and institutional barriers. Certain barriers acted as conditions, causing gender-role issues, and gender-role issues in turn influence certain barriers that act as outcomes. The findings can be used as a roadmap for administrators and policy makers to address gender-role issues.

Authors

• Devasmita Chakraverty, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

• Dorothy Andriole, Washington University in St. Louis

• Donna B. Jeffe, Washington University in St. Louis

• Heather D. Wathington, University of Virginia

• Robert H. Tai, University of Virginia