An analysis on the students' responses of the elective course, "Women in Medicine"

선택과목 '의료와 여성(Women in Medicine)'에 대한 학생반응 분석

Even though 35% of Korean medical students are female, medical schools and hospitals maintain a strongly male-dominated culture which discourages female students from active career development. In 2006, Yonsei Medical school instigated an elective course entitled "Women in Medicine" to encourage and stimulate 51 female students who enrolled the course. Researchers conducted participant observations at all 6 lectures, as well as 2 surveys and 4 student fucus group discussions comprising a total of 18 students. The total satis faction r ate of the course was high at 4.6 points out of a 5-point score Nevertheless, the study results confirmed three conflict points between lectures and students. Firstly, the lecturers emphasized the excellence and carrier-goal oriented life style, whereas most students are more interested in an ordinary women doctor's life. Secondly, the lecturers emphasized the importance of husband and family's support for success in their career but most female students have little confidence in their ability to achieve a balance between work and family. Thirdly, the lecturers emphasized the women doctor who is able to lead a team effectively, but women students have few opportunities to play a leadership role in their school life. These study findings imply that there is a generation gap in the concept of "successful women doctor's life" between lecturers and students. and that interactive dialogue between lecturer and students is more important than lecture style presentations from extremely successful female doctors. In addition to such lectures, a leadership program based on active student participation should be developed.