"It's Never Too Late to Speak Up": Epistemic Injustice and Agency in Women Medical Students

• In Event: Health Professions Student Issues in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Abstract

Despite entering medical school in equal numbers to men, women medical students are often undermined as knowers based on their gender and race/ethnicity. Such injustices are troubling, as it creates an overall climate that welcomes some students more than others. Drawing on epistemic injustice and epistemic agency, this study set out to draw attention to the marginalization of women medical students and the important knowledges they use to address such injustices. Using a longitudinal qualitative research design, we interviewed and read the personal reflections of 22 first-year women students from one Midwest research university. Our findings indicate despite profound moments of injustice, students redress these moments by redefining the role of doctors and calling out and speaking up.

Authors

• Emiko Blalock, Michigan State University

• Dianey R. Leal, Michigan State University