Gender Gaps in Medical Academia: Situation Report from a Latin American Medical School
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4005-5300
María Trinidad Zegers Vial
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8932-1819
Loreto Rojas Sobarzo
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6394-4733
Margarita Bernales Silva
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4993-8927
Andrea Cárdenas Díaz
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1667-3069
María Francisca Elgueta Le-Beuffe
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4212-3960
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Introduction: Despite advancements in gender equity, significant disparities persist in academia, particularly in medicine. These disparities are evident in the underrepresentation of women in senior academic positions, with fewer opportunities for promotion and access to leadership roles. Objective: To analyze the academic status of female faculty at the School of Medicine of a Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory quantitative study was conducted. The analysis included academic distribution and progression, research participation, leadership positions, teaching workload, and recognitions, disaggregated by gender. The population comprised all faculty members of the School of Medicine. Results: Women represented 40.2% of faculty members but were underrepresented in higher academic
ranks. Their likelihood of promotion was lower than that of men: From instructor to assistant professor (80%) and from assistant to associate professor (60%), among others. Leadership positions were predominantly held by men (70%). Female faculty managed 40% of undergraduate courses, whereas male faculty oversaw 80% of subspecialty courses. Furthermore, 64.5% of research project applications were led by men, though grant success rates and funding showed no significant gender differences. Conclusions: Significant gender disparities were identified within this medical school. Women are
underrepresented in senior academic categories, resulting in fewer opportunities for promotion, leadership roles, research project applications, and academic recognitions.
equidad de género, escuelas de medicina, sexismo, mujeres trabajadorasgender equity, schools, medical, sexism, working womenEquidade de Gênero, Escolas de Medicina, sexismo, Mulheres Trabalhadoras
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