They say that teaching is a vocation and it’s considered one of the most rewarding professions. Having the opportunity to help people in their education is priceless, but not everything is rosy. There are negative aspects that can overshadow the rewarding nature of the job. And despite being in the 21st century, the shadow of machismo is still present in some medical schools. Some students do not see female teachers as authority figures, especially if they are young, going so far as to throw disrespectful and misogynistic comments that seriously affect teachers, both in their work and their mental and physical health. "Don’t be jealous," is one example found in classrooms.
This situation has been corroborated by Paula, a professor of medicine who prefers to remain anonymous. She told Medical Writing that there is "a lot of misogyny and machismo" in universities, saying "I am a young woman, and they are not used to seeing teachers my age. I’ve had students flirt with me in class and disrespect me. I went to ask for the keys from the concierge, and they questioned my request. I was mistaken for a student and treated as such. They should not treat me in such a disrespectful way," she stressed.
According to this professor’s perception, men are treated differently than women in the field of education at universities simply because of their gender. “It is easier for them to impose themselves and to be disrespected less than women. It’s happening today,” she stressed.
The disrespectful comments Paula’s students make are related, to a greater or lesser extent, to her age. She recalls that one of the situations that impacted her the most was when she had to call the attention of two students who were "flirting" in class. When she told them to stop, the boy turned to her and said: "Don’t be jealous." “It’s hard because you have to be serious when faced with this behavior, even though you’re not of an age to be serious. Since there’s no respect from the other side, you have to impose it. I’m a stern person, but not distant. I like to be close to them, but I think that’s difficult when you’re a woman and young. You have to pretend that you are a professor in the area in terms of your attitude.”
Machismo in medical schools
In this sense, Paula regrets that she has to change her personality "absolutely" to achieve a minimum of respect in the classrooms. Of course, without ceasing to be respectful and cordial with their students. “But I don’t think that’s the problem, but rather that they do not identify our physiognomy with one of authority to whom respect is owed," she lamented.
However, she admits that the worst part occurs during the first few years when these attitudes catch you "cold." With more experience in the sector and, mainly, when you establish a figure of authority, you develop "calluses" and become more flexible. “That makes everything better,” she said.
As is normal, this type of behavior does not go unnoticed and affects both her work practice and her physical and mental health. According to Paula, following hearing an unpleasant comment, she feels a sense of insecurity that makes her feel "very bad". She questions if she is "governing" the class well. “I mean that the objective we have is to instruct and educate them, but not only in the specific area in which you teach, but rather one that covers all areas of education, and where you have to get them to become good people, and those negative attitudes cannot be allowed. They have to learn to be polite and correct,” she emphasized.
Measures once morest sexism in medical schools
To solve this problem, she is betting on a "very large" institutional reinforcement that gives "security" to the workers because, when it does not exist, the feeling of being "abandoned" is much stronger. "It is much easier if your institution looks out for you and treats you with respect. I think universities should recognize that this happens. And, since they mandate a lot of things regarding protocols, gender violence or inclusive language, which are very important, they should also establish a front once morest this type of violence once morest teachers so that they can talk regarding it openly. Because these attitudes are not acceptable," she concluded.
However, with a situation of this magnitude, it is not possible to generalize, and it is important to know other points of view to see all possible prisms. In the case of Elena True, a professor of Biochemistry at the Complutense University of Madrid, she has "never" had a feeling like the one Paula describes during her teaching practice. "And none of my colleagues has ever told me anything regarding it," she said.
In this sense, and in the event that they occur, she asserts that the measures to solve it are "quite clear," and always involve an educational process. Among them: implement policies that promote gender equality and that support female workers, develop mentoring and support programs for female teachers in their teaching, and involve students in discussions on this subject and mutual respect, among others," she concluded.
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The Shadow of Machismo in Medical Schools: A Female Professor Speaks Out
Teaching is often described as a noble profession, a vocation that rewards those who dedicate themselves to shaping young minds. However, the reality for some female professors, especially in fields like medicine, paints a different picture. The shadow of machismo persists, creating an environment where female teachers are not always viewed as authority figures. This can have a deeply negative impact on their well-being and their ability to teach effectively.
“Don’t Be Jealous”: A Common Experience
Paula, a young medical professor who requested anonymity, shared her experiences with **Medical Writing**. “There is a lot of misogyny and machismo in universities,” she stated. “As a young woman, I’m often not seen as the authority figure. I’ve had students flirt with me in class, disrespect me, and even mistake me for another student. This kind of treatment is unacceptable.”
One particularly disheartening incident involved two students who were “flirting” in class. When Paula asked them to stop, the male student turned to her and said, “Don’t be jealous.” These experiences highlight the subtle, yet pervasive nature of gender bias in medical schools.
Impact on Mental and Physical Health
Paula’s experiences are not isolated. Many female professors face similar challenges. These disrespectful comments often create a feeling of insecurity and make it difficult to feel confident in their role as educators. The constant need to navigate these situations can have a significant impact on mental and physical health.
Paula stressed the importance of feeling supported by their institutions. “It is crucial for universities to recognize that this issue exists and provide support to female teachers.” She added, “They need to create an environment where we can speak out, without fear of repercussions, and where these attitudes are not tolerated.”
“Calluses” and Adaptation
While the situation can be disheartening, Paula shared her personal strategy for coping. She has learned to develop a “tougher skin” over time. “You learn to establish your authority and become more resilient. The worst of it is during the first few years when you are still finding your footing. But with experience, you become less affected by these behaviors.”
Different Perspectives
Not everyone shares Paula’s experience. Elena True, a professor of Biochemistry at the Complutense University of Madrid, has not encountered the same level of sexism in her career. She believes that solutions involve clear and straightforward “educational processes.”
Measures to Combat Sexism in Medical Schools
To combat sexist behaviors in medical schools, Elena True suggests a multi-pronged approach:
- Implement policies that promote gender equality: This includes addressing gender pay gaps, providing equal opportunities for leadership positions, and creating a fair and transparent recruitment process.
- Develop mentoring and support programs: Offer dedicated programs for female professors to provide guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to discuss challenges.
- Involve students in discussions on sexism and mutual respect: Foster an open dialogue regarding gender equality and inclusivity, encouraging students to actively challenge sexist attitudes.
Ultimately, addressing sexism in medical schools requires a collaborative effort from institutions, faculty, and students. By fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and inclusivity, we can create a more equitable and fulfilling environment for all educators.
