Title: Gender Bias in Medical Films: Women Physicians Underrepresented, Study Finds
In a groundbreaking study recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers have shed light on the prevalent gender bias in medical films, revealing the significant underrepresentation of women physicians on screen. The findings emphasize the need for greater diversity in the portrayal of medical professionals in the media.
The team, led by Dr. Bismarck Christian Odei, an assistant professor in radiation oncology at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, utilized data from IMDB.com to analyze movies spanning from 1990 to 2020. By examining plot summaries, keywords, and credits, they identified a total of 2,295 characters portrayed as physicians in 1,226 movies.
Startlingly, the study uncovered that only 18% of these physician characters were women, while a staggering 81.4% were men. Despite the modest increase in the representation of women physicians over the decades, with a growth rate of approximately 2% every 10 years, the figures portrayed in films do not align with the reality of the medical profession.
In actuality, around 36% of practicing physicians are women, and nearly half of all current medical students are female, indicating a more balanced distribution of men and women physicians in the coming years. The underrepresentation of women physicians in films perpetuates gender biases and contributes to the phenomenon known as imposter syndrome, where individuals may question their place in a profession due to the lack of representation.
What is even more concerning is that the study found an even sparser portrayal of physicians from historically underrepresented groups in cinema. This disparity in on-screen inclusion further hampers the efforts to create a diverse and inclusive medical community.
The impact of media representation of physicians extends beyond mere entertainment. By showcasing women physicians in positive and successful roles, films have the power to shape societal attitudes and inspire future generations to pursue careers in medicine. Dr. Odei asserts that the media plays a crucial role in framing expectations, particularly when it comes to patients seeking treatment.
Patients, especially those grappling with life-threatening illnesses like cancer, need to have confidence in their physicians. They need to feel assured that they are in safe hands. This confidence can be bolstered by diverse and inclusive portrayals of medical professionals in the media, including films. When patients see physicians who reflect their own identities positively depicted on screen, it helps normalize these roles and fosters trust in the healthcare system.
Dr. Odei and his team aim to delve further into the impact of media representation of physicians on patients and explore how other underrepresented groups are depicted in the media. Additionally, they plan to extend their research to other popular media forms.
As we move toward a more inclusive society, it becomes imperative for filmmakers to accurately represent the diverse array of physicians serving our communities. By doing so, we can inspire the next generation of medical professionals and ensure patients feel understood and supported in their healthcare journeys.
